Swift Creek High School

updated September 25, 2009

Teachers and Staff

Russell Gardner Russell is the principal of Swift Creek High School (SCHS).  Russell has multiple years of experience in special education, counseling and administration. He graduated from Utah State University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Masters from the University of Phoenix in 1994, and an Administration Certificate from University of Wyoming in 2003. Russell enjoys working with kids and finds their successes rewarding. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.

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Michelle Byers Michelle is a special education aide here at Swift Creek High School.  She joined our school after working at Thayne Elementary in the Title I department.  Michelle and her family moved here from Denver in 2005 and built their home in Star Valley Ranch.  Reading is her favorite pastime.  She also enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family.  She and her husband, Tom, have 2 children.

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Bret Graves Mr. G’s Web Page Bret graduated from Utah State University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (with a Biology Major and a Health Minor).  He has been teaching secondary science since 1990 in Idaho before moving to Star Valley in 2006. Bret has taught Environmental Science, Biology, Physical Science, and Chemistry. He enjoys making Bio Diesel, driving muscle cars, and being outdoors, and especially hunting big game (one of the many reasons that he is excited to be here in Star Valley). He and his wife have one spoiled cat.

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Sharolyn Griffith Sharolyn Griffith helped start our school in 2001 and teaches American and World History, United States Government, and a history elective. She is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher and a James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation 2008 Fellow. She is currently working on her Master’s degree in history and enjoys reading, photography, running, and especially spending time with her family.

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Leslie Shinaver Swift Creek High School’s Language Arts teacher is Leslie Shinaver. A 1990 UW graduate, Leslie earned a BA in English and Theatre Education and has taught in Wyoming and Montana, including two years on the Flathead Indian Reservation. There she learned to bridge the gaps between poverty and educational opportunity. A fervent supporter of arts in education, she is involved in theatre at Star Valley High School and is the chair of the Star Valley Arts Council.

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Julie Skinner Julie is the secretary at Swift Creek High School, as well as a special education aide.  She is a native to Star Valley and attended Brigham Young University after graduating from Star Valley High School.  Julie has been with Lincoln County School District #2 for 24 years now.  She is also an Alpine Ski Coach for Special Olympics.  She has four adult sons and eight grandchildren currently.

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Val Williamson Val is the mathematics teacher at SCHS. He is originally from Idaho and received his Bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University. He has spent several years working with adolescents as a teaching assistant, counselor, tutor, and instructional leader while working for Student Services at Idaho State, Department of Health and Welfare, and School District #25 in Pocatello, Idaho. Val is currently working on a Masters in special education.  He and his wife, have four children, who keep their lives full of excitement and adventure.