Dear Byron Community,

There's something magical that happens when you ask alumni to reflect on their journeys—they don't just tell you about careers or achievements. They tell you about the teacher who believed in them, the coach who taught resilience, or the community that caught them when they stumbled. They tell you about home.

This Summer's Alumni Issue captures extraordinary stories spanning decades, continents, and career paths as diverse as our students. From Chris Millard's 37 years with Byron Fire Protection to Jennifer Lange, one of only two female Senior Chief Musicians in the U.S. Navy. From Anna Perks revolutionizing deconstruction in Denver to Bob Boyer discovering a "second life" in Japan at age 50.

What strikes me most isn't just the remarkable paths our graduates have taken—it's how consistently they credit Byron with shaping who they became. Tom Billeter says it plainly: "Every ounce of how I approach coaching came from that town." Kathleen Rock, serving aboard naval destroyers, still carries mentorship from teachers who "showed up for her."

These are stories of character forged in our hallways and classrooms. Reed Spaulding learned "you don't need to chase prestige—learn a skill, work hard, be the guy people can count on." Erin Dixson Levzow credits Byron with teaching her to "say yes, get in the room, then help someone else find their way in."

You'll read about Ron Svartoien's 54 years of loyalty—same job, same wife, same values. About Dan Hanlin, who was "trades before trades were cool." About Becky Little, who spent 24 years making kids "feel at home when they were away from home."

Some alumni built empires from viral moments, like Mark Cotter's spirits company. Others quietly serve the next generation through scholarships and mentorship.

What unites every story is the belief that showing up matters, community matters, and who you become often trumps where you end up. Whether serving on destroyers, deconstructing buildings, or fixing cars in Byron, our graduates carry forward values that make our community strong.

Byron Schools prepare students for all chapters to come. The relationships, lessons, and confidence built here create ripples extending far beyond graduation.

To current students: your path may look different, and that's exactly right. You're building on the same foundation that has launched thousands into lives of purpose.

To our featured alumni: thank you for showing what's possible when small-town values meet big dreams.

Welcome home to Byron—where every story begins, and no story ever really ends.

With pride and gratitude,

Buster Barton
Superintendent, Byron CUSD 226