Joe Garcia, recognized with the Service to School Award, was a teacher and coach at Risley Junior High and East High. Coach Garcia earned the love and respect of thousands of east side kids. In return, Garcia also loved and respected his kids, a trait that brought out the best in his students and athletes.

Coach Garcia coached baseball, tennis, track, and basketball, but his first love was coaching boy's and girl's cross country teams at East. His record of championships put East High on the map of the Colorado High School Activities Association. His cross county teams' stellar performances included one state championship, seventeen South-Central League titles, fifteen regional titles, five straight years without losing a meet, and more city championships than can be counted.