Blackmore Elementary received a new bench on July 3, 2023, courtesy of the Culbertson family in memory of Randy Culbertson.
Randy Culbertson dedicated 29 years to El Dorado schools, serving as the Jefferson and Lincoln principal during his final year before retirement. He lost his battle with MS six years ago, but his legacy lives on through his family and the students he taught.
“When Blackmore was built the family wanted to honor Randy’s memory and the impact he made on so many students,” Mary Ann Culbertson, Randy’s wife, said. “It’s been nearly 20 years since his last days in the district and former students and teachers still come up and tell us about how awesome he was.”
May Ann and the five Culbertson children (all El Dorado High School alum) attended the bench placement with their families. July 4, the day after the bench placement, would have been Randy’s 73 birthday.
Randy and Mary Ann’s son, Drew Culbertson, teaches and coaches at El Dorado High School and their granddaughter, Tailor Kelty will begin her first year teaching at Skelly Elementary in August. Drew’s wife, Emma, also works for the district and will be the Student Liaison at Skelly this year.
“It’s meant a lot to me – working in the same district my dad worked in for so long. I take a lot of pride in continuing his legacy,” Drew said.
The bench faces the playground and former location of Jefferson Elementary.
“With Jefferson and Lincoln being torn down, it felt like there was no trace of what he left behind at those schools,” Drew said. “Now we have a spot to honor him. Kids and adults could ask who Randy Culbertson was and someone might be able to share a story of him and his impact.”
(L-R): Mary Ann Culbertson, John Culbertson, Regie (Culbertson) Fulghum, Ashley
Culbertson, Jessica (Culbertson) Walter, and Drew Culbertson