December 20, 2024 |
Rick Price’s impact on the lives of students and families in Colorado Springs is nothing short of extraordinary. "I loved being an educator. I loved it. And I love school." shares Rick Price in a February 2021 interview. Described by colleagues and community members as a deeply committed and passionate educator, Rick was a connector—someone who bridged the gap between schools, families, and the larger community. His work not only shaped the lives of countless students but also helped build an enduring legacy of mentorship and support that continues to impact the region today.
A Pillar of Support for the Community
Vennita Browning, Program Director for Peak Education, sums up Rick’s essential role in the building the organization, calling him the “access person” and referring to him affectionately as “the Don” of the program. She explains that “You couldn’t get to his kids without going through Rick Price.” Rick was the vital link between the students in the program and their families, a role that only he could fill given his deep understanding of the community. “He knew every student. He knew where they lived, he knew their parents,” Vennita recalls, emphasizing the trust he built within the community. As the “connector,” Rick was crucial in ensuring that Peak Education’s mission to support students’ success extended beyond just academics, touching on the lives and dreams of their families.
Rick’s dedication went hand-in-hand with the program's ethos of not only providing opportunities for students but also believing in their potential. “He could pick out students who had the family support, the goals, and the drive to succeed,” Vennita reflects. Her partnership with Rick in selecting and supporting students was one of collaboration and trust—one that allowed them to make tangible differences in the lives of many.
Leadership and Vision in Education
Carlos Jiménez, CEO of Peak Education, reflects on the first time he encountered Rick, noting that Rick was already a known figure in the community and had an established reputation as an educator committed to helping youth. As a principal at Carmel Middle School and later as a board member for Peak Education, Rick's influence extended beyond the classroom. Carlos describes him as “a force,” with a deep passion for education and a clear understanding of how to meet the needs of students in southeast Colorado Springs.
Rick’s work wasn’t just about offering academic support—it was about holistic, early intervention. Rick shared "you know, there's a big difference between a middle school kid and a high school kid... you got to know, you got to find out about these kids." Jon Stepleton, former CEO of Peak Education, shares that Rick’s most significant contribution to the organization was his belief that “if you want to do something transformative in the community, you have to reach out to them before they get to high school.” Rick knew that by the time students reached high school, many habits were already formed, and so his focus on middle school-aged children was a game changer. “This is where you see kids who are growing up in harsh conditions... but they still have shining eyes,” Jon recalls Rick saying, showing his unshakeable belief in the potential of every child, even those facing difficult circumstances. Rick shared in a separate interview, "as an educator, you got to know your teachers... I would be out in the hallways, you know, doing lunch duty every day. I would see every kid. I could see the ones who weren’t eating... who were shy... who were upset." Showing his deep-rooted commitment to his role, his community, and the kids in his school.
A Trusted Leader in the Community
Rick’s influence as an educator and community leader reached far beyond the walls of his school. As principal at Carmel, Rick wasn’t just a school administrator—he was a neighborhood icon. His deep relationships with students, families, and even local gang members helped him maintain peace and stability in a community often struggling with economic hardships. Jon Stepleton notes, “Rick knew the families. And they listened to Rick. At points in time, they wouldn't listen to other people.” His ability to navigate complex community dynamics made him a trusted figure, and his work extended into creating change at the leadership level.
Elizabeth Domangue, a Peak Education advocate and donor, praises Rick for his collaborative spirit and his unwavering belief in finding solutions to help students. She notes that Rick’s approach was always solution-oriented—“let’s just figure out how to make this work”—and he did it all with a smile and an open heart. “He does it with generosity, and he does it with character,” Elizabeth says, highlighting the positivity and respect Rick brought to every interaction.
Mentorship and the Ripple Effect
The ripple effect of Rick's work is evident in the many lives he touched, both directly and indirectly. Vanessa Alvarez, a Peak Education alumna, reflects on how Rick, along with Peak Education's founders, were like “the initial candle” that sparked a larger movement of hope and opportunity. She likens the mentorship they provided to a chain reaction, where “every student they touch, every family they touched, were all the receiving candles.” In this metaphor, the light of hope continues to spread, and even if the original candle fades, the light will never go out. Rick’s influence, like the light in the metaphor, continues to inspire and guide, even years later.
For Rick, mentoring students was not just about providing resources or financial support—it was about believing in their potential and showing them that their dreams were attainable. Susan Pattee, a member of the Peak Education Foundation Board, reflects on how Rick's approach to mentoring was rooted in mutual respect. “He treated all the families and the kids with so much respect and expectation,” Susan says, noting that Rick had a unique ability to instill both confidence and accountability in the families he worked with.
A Legacy of Hope and Transformation
Rick Price's work in education is a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and the belief that every child has the potential to succeed, no matter their background. His impact, both as a principal and as a board member of Peak Education, has left a lasting legacy in Colorado Springs. His ability to connect with students and families, his vision for early intervention, and his role in shaping the direction of Peak Education are just a few of the ways Rick’s work continues to resonate in the community.
As a figure who earned the respect of students, parents, and colleagues alike, Rick Price’s legacy is one of hope, transformation, and community-building. His ability to inspire and light the way for others is a gift that will continue to influence the lives of generations to come. His work at Carmel Community School, his service on the Peak Education board, and his unwavering dedication to the students of southeast Colorado Springs ensure that his impact will never be forgotten.
In every student he mentored, in every family he supported, and in every community he helped to strengthen, Rick Price’s light continues to shine—steadfast, unyielding, and full of hope for the future.
For More on Rick Price’s Legacy, Please Read His Obituary There will be a celebration of Rick's life in early 2025. To be notified of the Celebration please email celebraterickprice@gmail.com.
To honor Rick's memory please consider a donation to Peak Education.
Written by Tabitha Hart