One of the great privileges of serving as Superintendent of Byron CUSD 226 is the opportunity to see, up close, how a community shapes the lives of its young people—and how those young people, in turn, shape the future of this community.

The stories in this issue offer a meaningful snapshot of that relationship. They reflect a school district where curiosity is encouraged, effort is noticed, and students are trusted to pursue paths that fit who they are becoming. Whether those paths lead to engineering labs, music classrooms, college campuses, athletic fields, automotive shops, libraries, or service-oriented careers, the common thread is not a single definition of success, but a shared belief in possibility.

You’ll meet students who are asking big questions about the universe and others who are learning, skill by skill, how to master their craft. You’ll read about young people who compete at the highest levels, those who quietly persist, and those who discover—sometimes unexpectedly—what they love by sticking with something long enough for it to reveal itself. Each of their stories reminds us that growth rarely follows a straight line, and that progress often begins with someone taking the time to notice potential and offer encouragement.

You’ll also see the profound impact of the adults who surround our students every day. Teachers who make learning feel accessible and meaningful. Counselors who help families navigate complex decisions with clarity and care. Coaches, advisors, and staff members who show up early, stay late, and take pride in the behind-the-scenes work that allows excellence to happen. These are the people who help turn opportunity into outcomes.

What stands out most to me is how naturally these stories reflect the values of Byron. This is a community that believes in doing things well, supporting one another, and holding high expectations without losing sight of kindness and belonging. It’s a place where winning traditions coexist with humility, and where every student—regardless of their chosen direction—deserves respect and support.

I’m grateful to our students for sharing their journeys, to our staff for their dedication, and to our families and community members for the trust you place in our schools. Together, we are creating an environment where young people are prepared not just for what comes next, but for lives of purpose and contribution.

Thank you for being part of the Byron story—and for continuing to help write its next chapter.

Buster Barton
Superintendent, Byron CUSD 226