Greg Borcher

Throughout his service to Park County School District 1, Greg Borcher’s main motive has been to serve his community, and it’s a commitment he’ll never forget.

“I hope to be remembered in how I was always fair and did what was best for kids,” he said.

Borcher served as a dedicated member of the Park County School District 1 board for 16 years, from December 2006 until his retirement in December 2022 (he is retiring from First Bank in January after 17 years.) His position transitioned from treasurer to vice-chairman, and eventually chairman. 

Simultaneously, Borcher served at the state level for 10 years as president-elect, vice-president, president and immediate past president. When commenting on his positions held at different service levels, Borcher noted the work that goes along with creating a lasting legacy — one he hopes is remembered by how much he cared for the kids. 

“Just the people I’ve met and the friendships that have developed out of my service to the school board has made it well worth the time and the effort to do that,” Borcher said. 

It was through that level of dedication that on Nov. 20, the Wyoming School Boards Association (WSBA) awarded Borcher the WSBA Golden Bell Award at its Annual Conference. 

The award is designated to “individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the improvement of education in the State of Wyoming.” It’s the highest award by the state organization and is only given to two active/retired members throughout Wyoming. Despite being made aware of the nomination in late October, Borcher was still pleasantly surprised to receive such an award. 

“This award is something that I never had on my radar,” he said. 

Superintendent Jay Curtis noted the lasting impression left in the local school district in Borcher’s 16 years of service in Powell schools specifically and the legacy that his peers wanted to recognize hopefully on a state level. 

“Throughout his tenure, Greg exhibited unwavering commitment to the betterment of our schools and the students we serve,” Curtis said.

Best epitomized by Borcher’s letter of recommendation, it would be his tenacity to serve at all levels which truly allowed many people to experience his care for the students and teachers in the state of Wyoming. 

“It is with great pride and immense respect that we, the Trustees of Park County School District 1, nominate Greg Borcher for the Wyoming School Boards Association's Golden Bell Award,” Curtis said, on behalf of the board trustees. “His enduring legacy of service, his leadership, and his advocacy for quality education have left an indelible mark on our district and the state of Wyoming. Greg exemplifies the values of integrity, dedication, and passion that the Golden Bell Award seeks to recognize and celebrate.”