St. Vrain honors 25-year employees, names new Red Hawk Elementary principal

The St. Vrain Valley School District Board of Education recognized 40 employees who have reached 25 years of service and introduced Carrie Viteval as the incoming principal at Red Hawk Elementary, board members said at their April 23 meeting.

The district presented traditional 25-year service bells to honorees from nutrition services, classroom teachers, counselors, custodial staff and other roles. Amanda Thompson introduced the recognition and read the names of employees who were not present; about 20 honorees attended and received bells and a group photograph.

Why it matters: Long-term employees help sustain district programs and day-to-day operations; the board framed the recognition as an opportunity to thank staff whose careers have impacted many students across schools. During remarks, board members praised the honorees’ decades of service; one board member said, "25 years is amazing." These recognitions are customary at the district's spring meeting.

Details: Thompson said the bell symbolizes loyalty and dedication and noted the district honored staff across many positions, including classroom teachers at elementary and middle schools, nutrition services staff, counselors and custodians. The list read aloud included Cynthia Adler, Tammy Anson, Jamie Brett, Julie Bridal, Mikaela Campbell, Hermenia Veil Granillo and dozens of others. Honorees present were asked to gather for a photo and to ring their bells together.

Personnel announcement: Amanda Thompson also introduced Carrie Viteval, who the board named principal of Red Hawk Elementary effective July 1, 2025. Thompson summarized Viteval's credentials, saying Viteval holds two master’s degrees (educational leadership from Regis University and curriculum/instruction and reading from Grand Canyon University) and a bachelor of science in elementary education from Montana State University. Thompson said Viteval has served the past two years as assistant principal at Thunder Vista Pre K–8 in Broomfield and has experience as a dean of students, instructional coach, teacher and literacy specialist. Viteval spoke briefly and thanked the board and superintendent for the appointment.

What’s next: The board moved on after the recognition and personnel announcement; no formal vote was required for the ceremony or the introduction. The personnel hire was announced with a start date of July 1, 2025.