David Gamelin: Technology and Technique

Having taught video production at Creek for 24 of his 27 years in the district, video production teacher, David Gamelin, will be retiring and leaving Creek at the end of this school year.

“There are so many ways that I’m gonna miss Creek,” Gamelin said. “I love the energy that students have in class. You know, kids show up and they’re generally excited to do projects, and they’re creative and fun, I feel like it keeps me young.”

He didn’t just teach video production, he built up the class from a little classroom in the corner of the library. He created a class with three different levels and its own room with many computers and video equipment to aid students in the creative process. Beyond simply teaching video production for over two decades, Gamelin coached every level of soccer for both the girls and boys team.

“I couldn’t imagine anyone else teaching the class,” sophomore Sofi Gok said. “Because he made video production so popular and is able to interact closely with students while remaining professional.”

David Rowe: Mr. Sunshine

After spending his 35 year-long career of teaching English at Creek, David Rowe is retiring from Cherry Creek high school. His impact has been tremendous for all students over multiple decades.

By teaching Bruin Academic Center for freshmen and sophomores, he has inspired students and helped guide their paths for the future.

“Mr. Rowe helped a lot by encouraging me to stay at school and go to college,” freshman Bryan Qiu said.

Even after teaching all grades and helping create the senior seminar class, Rowe isn’t ready to leave a path in education; but for now, Rowe’s path at Creek is coming to an end.

“[My wife and I] are calling it a sabbatical year, where we just take a year away and we’ll travel and explore some different options, definitely in education,” Rowe said. “I’m not looking for a better school or a better place to teach, but I am excited to see what other angles of education might be open to us in different places.”

Ben Singh: Doctor of the DBQ

Best known for teaching AP U.S. & Comparative Government, Ben Singh has been teaching classes at Creek for 22 years. He’s made the decision to retire this year and, hopefully, open a bookstore in his retirement.

“While I love what I do, I don’t have the same energy that I once had,” Singh said.

His work hasn’t just been confined to AP students; he’s also helped with student teachers, acting as a mentor for social studies teacher Timothy Kirkpatrick, and Activities director, Kelly Prevost. Prevost was a student teacher under him when she was 22 and attributes a lot of her work ethic and how she interacts with students to Singh.

“[I] learned from him, the power of connecting with students and when you’re able to create a rapport in a classroom, in a community, you can teach kids anything,” Prevost said. “I think that’s the strongest foundation you’re going to have, is your ability to connect with your kids, because then you can challenge them.”

Tamara Hamill: Marveling in Mathematics

After more than three decades in education, and over 20 years at Creek, Tamara Hamill is

retiring, leaving a legacy that goes beyond teaching math.

Hamill began teaching in 1991 and joined Cherry Creek in 2004, consistently working in the math department. This year, she taught CP Algebra 2 and Probability and Statistics.

Over time, Hamill built deeper connections with students by understanding their lives beyond academics and seeing things from their perspective, ultimately shaping her teaching.

“I got to understand more about what they were going through,” Hamill said. “Not just relating it to what I went through in high school.”

While academics mattered, she also emphasized character and responsibility. “I try to not only teach the kids math, but also to be a good person,” she said.

Students say that the approach made a lasting impact.“She’s always happy and makes my day,” sophomore Sundand Bhandaram said. “I know I’m going to miss her because I definitely have a connection with her. She’s a great teacher.”

Tim Libby: Creek’s Musical Maestro

After 26 years at Cherry Creek High School, Timothy Libby is retiring from his role as band director and fine arts coordinator, concluding a tenure that included leading all four band programs, pit orchestra, marching band, jazz bands, and overseeing fine arts for five years.

Libby also served as fine arts coordinator, working with faculty across the Fine Arts department. Students, parents, and many others are grateful for Libby’s willingness to evolve while maintaining continuity within a large department.

“He has been a rock for so long,” Choir director Adam Cave said. “ He has set the precedent for how you respect where you’ve come from, but also just continue to evolve.”

Throughout his career, Libby has spent countless hours working with students to improve their skills, working with faculty to build curriculum, and creating a legacy in music education at Creek.

“It’s been a privilege… and it’s been the greatest thing I could ever think of in my life,” Libby Said.

Kathi Meyer & Kari Peterson: Double Trouble

Identical twins and identical career paths; Kathi Meyer and Kari Peterson have both spent over a decade teaching math at Creek, and have both decided to retire in the same year. They both made this choice partly so they could spend more time with their aging mother and partly because they both felt ready.

“It’s bittersweet to be retiring this year, but I do feel like it’s the right time for me,” Peterson said.

Through their years at Creek, both twins felt that the culture at Creek was unlike any other. Meyer had previously worked at Cherokee Trail before coming to Creek, and claims that Creek’s students were more grateful and the administration better supported teachers.
“Hands down, this is the best place to be; we have amazing kids and just the positivity in the administration,” Meyer said.

More teachers retiring: Sarah Ramsey, Paul Anderson, Paul Lein, David Valdez, Stephany Choi, Timothy Peterson, Johanna Lewis