(This article first appeared in the September 2022 print edition of  Smoke Signals.)

Principal Keene revamped GRC last year and is excited to keep the energy alive. He is starting his second year as principal with the same mindset as his first.

This is his 13th year at GRC, and he plans on making it the best yet, telling us, “I love what I do.”

Mr. Keene visited with the Smoke Signals staff to discuss his second year as principal.

Q: How did you get into education?

A: My dad was also a teacher and administrator so I followed in his footsteps. This is my 24th year in education.

Q: What are you most proud of from last year?

A: There was a lot to be proud of. We were coming out of a pandemic and really didn’t know what to expect from that. There really wasn’t a lot of leadership guidance on how do you handle that. I just felt like we wanted our staff, students, and community to fall back in love with education.  I was proud that I felt like we met the needs of more students than we ever had before. 

Q: How did the rules that you implemented last year follow through?

A: They are pretty simple: Get to school on time, get to class on time, be where you are supposed to be, and do what you are supposed to do. But really, just a shift in mindset about caring about people and caring about your future, striving to be better today than we were yesterday. If we strive to do that, how much more are we helping the school, the community, and ourselves?

Q: How do you create your idea of a positive school environment?

A: I think it starts with the principal. I can’t talk about being positive if I am negative. Sometimes you have to have those critical conversations, but if you build those relationships early on and set a positive environment, they are much easier to have. You are more likely to get a better response from students, parents, staff, and the community if you just take time to build that positive environment. If people feel respected, valued, and appreciated, that starts it.

Q: How do you plan on balancing administrative opinions with student voices?

A: What you really have to look at when decisions are made with student voices is whether or not it is productive for the entire student body or just a select few. Even though we might have to make a decision that some may not agree with, we want to have open lines of communication. We can have a genuine conversation about why decisions have to be made and leave our personal opinions out of it because it is about students.

Q: How will the school approach prioritizing all school activities?

A: I think that starts with me. Keep in mind that different things appeal to different people. Every activity our students are involved in is important. I have attended an activity or event for every group and sport at some point. If I can’t go, one of the other administrators is present. It sets the tone for “All In” and I make that a priority. It starts with me setting the tone and the expectation that I am going to be there, and hopefully others will follow.

Q: If you could describe this year in three words, what would they be?

A: Attitude reflects leadership.

Q: How have you seen our community benefit from our new athletic complex?

A: We are hosting so many different events from huge band competitions to state championship sporting events. This is a great economic boost to Winchester and Clark County. Obviously, our community is so proud of what we have, and our staff and students are proud also. It helps with school spirit and pride. This is just much more than a school campus; it is a community campus.

Q: What do you hope GRC will look like in five years?

A: I want to create an environment and atmosphere where staff and students want to be here and value their time here. I hope you all look back on your high school years as the best ever. I want a positive role in that and I hope people here make a difference in your lives, and that you really understand how much we care about you and your well being and success as you leave GRC.

Q: Has your personal interpretation of the words “All In” changed since you started it last year?

A: It may mean something different to you than to me or each administrator. Put your all into whatever you are doing. It is to be ‘all in’  in our effort, relationships, being the best person we can be, and whatever the next step is for you. It is being all-in on being a better person today than you were yesterday.

Q: What is your favorite part about your job?

A: People. I love interacting with people. I love talking and getting to know people, and I love learning and building those relationships.  I don’t have to do this job, I get to do it. I hope I spread positivity and make a difference in some people’s lives, both staff and students.

Q: A fun fact about you that students/parents may not know?

A: My wife and I went to kindergarten together, started dating as juniors in high school, graduated high school and college together, and have been happily (well me anyway, I can’t speak for her) married for 32 years (33 in December).

Q: What is your ultimate goal as principal?

A: My ultimate goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of students and staff.