Center of Focus

Our Center family grieves an immense loss with the passing of Lloyd Garcia. We are deeply saddened to say goodbye to one of our true-blue Viking family members.  Lloyd embodied what it means to be a Center Viking, contributing to our district and community in countless ways over the years.

Lloyd Garcia was a proud Valley native and a true Center Viking. For 36 years, Mr. Garcia was a familiar and beloved presence in the hallways of Center Schools. He began his career as an elementary physical education teacher and later taught Spanish, math, science, and history at the high school.

Beyond the classroom, Lloyd was a highly successful coach, with high school baseball being his greatest passion. His contributions to teaching and coaching earned him numerous honors, including induction into the Adams State Educators Hall of Fame and the Colorado Dugout Hall of Fame. This year, Lloyd was inducted into the Center Athletic Hall of Fame. Fittingly, the baseball field at Center Community Park bears his name, a lasting tribute to his dedication and accomplishments.

In November 2023, Lloyd was re-elected to a second term on the school board, continuing his legacy of service to the district he loved.  He shared his greatest hope for Center Schools: “My goal for Center is that every child is treated fairly and with respect and given every opportunity to succeed.” 

Lloyd’s heart was true Viking blue. He took tremendous pride in our schools and community, always advocating for what was best for students.

Even after retiring, he continued to give back, coaching, substituting, and serving on the school board.

His legacy will endure through the many lives he touched. We will remember his kind eyes, warm smile, and steady, thoughtful presence. Lloyd was a man of integrity, solid, steadfast, and deeply committed. His love for our district was matched only by his love for his family: his devoted wife, Lillian; his children, Melissa and LJ; and his many cherished grandchildren. It was clear to all who knew him where his heart and loyalty resided.

We are grateful for the privilege of knowing Mr. Garcia, to have learned from him, worked with him, and walked alongside him on his journey. He approached his battle with cancer as he did everything in life: with strength, determination, and grace. He showed us all what it truly means to be #VikingStrong.

We are proud to call him our friend, colleague, and mentor. We are all better for having known him, and his impact will live on in the halls of Center Schools and in our hearts.

We love you and will miss you, Mr. Garcia. Thank you for everything you have done to make our world a better place.