You Can’t Spell Principal Without Pal

By Wyatt Antle

Brian Dilka, principal of Pueblo County High School, has spent 19 years here, but now he is moving on. 

So it’s time to look back at the legacy he has given to this school. All of the people he has helped, all the smiles he’s given, and how he has changed this school. It’s sad to think that such a great man is retiring from this school, but all good things must come to an end. Instead of being sad that it’s happening, let’s be happy that he got the job and look back at the career and life of Brian Dilka.

Dilka has extensive experience in the teaching community. Starting up as a history teacher, up to the principal's job. He has been a respected figure in the teaching industry. Showing all the key points that a high school principal should strive to be. Visible and approachable. 

What was your life like growing up?

 “I am originally from Pueblo. I had a typical Pueblo, hard-working upbringing. I have also always admired the Pueblo County community,” said Dilka

Being born and raised in Pueblo, Dilka respects and admires his immediate community. And this admiration and respect is returned to him by this community, his students and his staff. Deservingly so. He is a positive force in the building. He always greets you with a smile.

Knowing people and having a tight connection with the public make people more approachable and more like real people. His simple life may not make him Superman special, but that means he isn’t any different from you or me. Being a principal who is simply a hardworking, approachable figure can make you feel at ease and more able to relate to them.

What made you want to be in the education industry, not just as a principal, but as a teacher as well?

“I think some of the best impactful people in my life were my teachers and coaches," said Dilka.

We all have our leaders and mentors. Inspiring us and leading us in the right direction. Dilka’s impactful people helped shape the fantastic person we know today. Without these kinds of people, we would be lost in this large world. 
 
If you could go give a word of advice to the person taking your position, what would it be?

“It would be to always handle every situation with kindness and always try to do what's best for students in every situation,” said Dilka.

Being a principal comes with many responsibilities. To be honored and well known, you must learn how to work with kids. This is even harder when having to handle all these young adults in school. But learning how to handle all of this, as Dilka did, will make the new principal highly respected and highly honored.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind when you depart Pueblo County High?

“I hope to leave behind the culture and respect behind being a Pueblo County Hornet,” said Dilka.

A person's legacy is a big deal. All that they have done turned into something we can remember and learn from. Dilka showed what it was like to be a true County Hornet. All of the kindness and hard work that he showed to all of us. That is the legacy that Dilka shall be remembered forever in Pueblo County High.

Mr. Dilka is more than just a principal. He isn’t just a random person, he is a champion that everyone should all strive to be more like. 

Being kind, hardworking and a true Hornet. His retirement isn’t something we should look at with sadness; it is a time that we learn from his teachings. 

More than just a high school principal, a pal that you will never forget.