Because of her many years of working to create a better East High School, Gretchen Rode is being awarded the East High Service to School Award.  Ms. Rode, arrived in Pueblo from Minnesota in 1986, where she oversaw the opening and operation of Kurt Manufacturing’s Pueblo facility. 

When her children entered high school, she pitched in to help re-establish the East High Booster Club.  The Booster Club supports East through fundraising, merchandise sales, and maintaining a raffle license for clubs and teams to use during the year.  The Booster Club also organizes After Prom and other events at the school.

Over many years, Gretchen, along with her family, generously donated bleachers for the baseball field, supplied sports teams with uniforms and gear, dedicated countless hours to fundraising, helped students in need, paid for IB exams, provided annual scholarships to seniors, and attended or hosted meetings working to keep East High School open.

Instead of asking or expecting someone else to do the job, she always jumped in herself.  She never asked for credit or recognition and yet she deserves all that and more.   Her involvement and willingness to help have made an immeasurable difference.