A Leader's Mark: Sal Frias Gym Honors a Dedicated Educator

Sal Frias never sought fame when he entered the education field over two decades ago. His motivation was simple: he believed in students and the power of public schools. Frias thought, \"One caring adult can change a life. Everything I do is about serving students and supporting those who teach them daily. \" At Golden Valley High School, Frias spent 19 years, 17 of them as principal. His leadership left a lasting impact on students, teachers, and administrators. On a Friday evening, the school honored him by naming the gym after him. Local leaders, students, and district officials gathered for the ceremony. Before the unveiling, speakers shared how Frias shaped Golden Valley High. Hart district board member Cherise Moore praised his leadership. She said, \"Mr. Frias didn't just lead a campus. He helped define this school's identity. His leadership was kind, honest, and believed in students. Under him, Golden Valley became a place of achievement, belonging, and pride. \"Frias moved to a new role as chief administrative officer for student services and learning support in 2025. District Superintendent Michael Vierra noted Frias' hesitation to leave. \"He didn't want to go, \" Vierra said, \"but he saw the chance to impact more students across all schools and support new administrators. \" Arin Spalding, a Golden Valley parent, called the ceremony Frias' \"Hall of Fame\" moment. She highlighted that educators don't get fame or fortune but create legends. \"Thank you for treating this school like family. You make the world better by being in it, \" she said. Frias thanked everyone who supported him. \"If you've worked with me, challenged me, or trusted me with your kids, this honor is as much yours as mine, \" he said. \"Golden Valley is more than a school. It's about relationships, pride, and believing in our students. I'm proud of what we built together. \" He added, \"This gym stands for teamwork, resilience, and handling success and failure. If my name means anything, it's about believing in students and leading with heart. \" After thanking his family, he ended with a cheer: \"Go, GV! \""