Dear Byron CUSD 226 Community,

Spring brings with it a sense of renewal, growth, and anticipation of new beginnings. As I reflect on the remarkable stories featured in this issue of ROAR!, I'm filled with immense pride in our students and the vibrant learning community we've built together.

The pages of this magazine showcase the incredible diversity of talents, aspirations, and accomplishments that define our Byron students. From Ben Mugrage's mathematical brilliance and tutoring passion to Gina Baker's balanced life of athletics and artistry, our students embody what it means to pursue excellence while discovering their unique paths.

I'm particularly moved by how our students are embracing both traditional and emerging career opportunities. Jarad Bowman and Kaydon VanBriesen remind us of the dignity and importance of skilled trades, building futures with their hands and practical knowledge. Kendall Boatman carries forward her family's agricultural legacy while embracing modern approaches to ranch management and agricultural communication.

Our arts programs continue to flourish, with students like Tim Starwalt and Liliana Ramos finding their voices both on stage and in competition. Rory Brown beautifully balances her aerospace engineering ambitions with a passion for music, showing that STEM and arts education complement rather than compete with each other.

I'm equally impressed with the entrepreneurial spirit of students like Neve Schilling and Maddie Lane, who are developing real-world business solutions while still in high school. Their creativity and problem-solving skills will serve them well in any career they pursue.

Perhaps most inspiring is how our students, like Nolan Brass, are creating initiatives like TIE (Totally Include Everyone) that foster belonging and connection in our schools. This commitment to inclusion and leadership reflects the core values we strive to instill in all our students.

Whether preparing for college, trade school, military service, or entering the workforce, our students embody what makes Byron special – a community where young people are encouraged to discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and develop character that will serve them throughout life.

As you read this issue of ROAR!, I hope you'll share my pride in these remarkable young people and the dedicated teachers, coaches, and staff who guide them. Together, we're creating an educational environment where every student can thrive.

With Tiger Pride,

Buster Barton, Superintendent 

Byron CUSD 226