GOLDEN VALLEY, Ariz. – Black Mountain School mastered a task that no other known elementary school has done in honor of America’s 250th birthday at the request of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Lewis Kingman Chapter. Almost all students in the K-8 grade school participated, with a few exceptions.
“This was my brainstorm, so we called the Principal and he said yes,” said Daughters of the American Revolution Vice Chair Nancy Shepherd.
“We wanted to do it earlier,” said Principal and Athletic Director Daniel Emborsky, “but we just didn’t have enough time to practice.”
The temperature in Golden Valley Thursday, July 23, during the short half hour or less event was 106°F and some students did not participate.
Emborsky said 460 students took part in Thursday’s event while kinder preschool and lower autism grades stayed inside due to the heat.
“If I could have, I would have changed the heat,” Mr. Emborsky said, “but I’m happy. The kids did well.”
After forming the first known human 250 in America, the kid’s let go of the red, white and blue construction papers they had been holding. It was an unusually windy day and papers soared with the wind. Volunteers caught as many as they could, but couldn’t catch them all.
“Some are in Vegas by now,” said volunteer Ray Joiner, former Executive Director of the Kathryn Heidenreich Senior Center in Kingman.
“I’m very proud of them. I was worried about perception, but the kids were engaged. I’m very proud of their performance and what they did today,” said Emborsky.
Black Mountain School is known for quality teaching with a staff that has received state-level Educator Excellence Awards. Teachers provide the children with knowledge, skills and behavior for lifelong learning.
Every Christmas they either win, place or show for the school’s floats entered in the Kingman Festival of Lights Parade, under the direction of Cheer Coach Peggy Tarnowski.
In 2024, Emborsky received national attention when he was nominated for LifeChanger of the Year Award.
“His unwavering dedication to the students, staff and community makes him not just an educator but a genuine LifeChanger,” said friend Veronica Morris who nominated him for the award.
Principal Emborsky also said he was proud of his teachers and staff for the great jobs they do.
“I would really like to acknowledge Debra Kelly for being the best admin partner. This school would not be what it is without her and all of the staff here,” Mr. Emborsky said.
“For me, this birthday celebration also represents why I am at Black Mountain. I began my career here with student teaching under Mrs. Kelly, our assistant principal.”
“That experience and mentoring is what this country is about and part of what our flag represents – coming together, teaching each other and wholesome family love.”
Kelly has been at Black Mountain for over 25 years and her leadership is a big part of Black Mountain’s growth and success.”
