Garden Spot names athletic director

Keith Blackwell, who is presently a technology education teacher at Garden Spot Middle School (GSMS), has experience in a variety of areas. His talents as a musician are well known in the community, and he currently serves as a co-pastor at Summit View Brethren in Christ Church. He's also announced Garden Spot High School football games and boys' varsity basketball games for several years.

However, it is Keith's experience building relationships that he feels will be among the most important skills he brings to his new role as athletic director for the ELANCO School District. Keith was officially named to the post at a school board meeting on Jan. 13. "My goal is to (build a) bridge between the community and the school district through athletics," said Keith. "Through my experience as a pastor and a teacher, I have lots of experience at building relationships with people."

Keith was raised in New Holland. He graduated from Garden Spot High School (GSHS) in 2006, and he earned his teaching degree in technology education from Millersville University in 2010. In the fall of 2010, Keith began a long-term substitute position at Manheim Central High School, and he later taught at Red Lion Area Senior High School, but all the while, he continued to live in the ELANCO district. In 2016, he applied to teach at GSMS. "I have always wanted to work in our district," stated Keith. "When the opportunity became available ... I jumped on it. This is my home."

In the fall of 2024, when Keith learned that the position of ELANCO athletic director was open, he had a feeling he should apply. "I have always been involved in athletics," Keith stated, noting that he played in youth leagues and bowled and played football at GSHS. "I am passionate about sports and athletics," he said. He shared his interest in the position with his wife, Stephanie. "Through prayerful discernment, we decided that whatever doors opened, we would walk through them," recalled Keith. "If this wasn't the plan for our family, then the doors would close."

Keith met with ELANCO superintendent Michael Snopkowski to learn about the administrator's vision for the position, and in October 2024, he applied for the job. Knowing some of the 40 other candidates would have qualifications he lacked, Keith hoped his devotion to the area would stand out. "This is my community," said Keith. "(New Holland) is where I live and work and where my kids go to school. I am passionate about ELANCO."

Now, Keith is looking forward to his full-time start date on Monday, Feb. 17, believing he brings a different outlook to the role. "I have been in the classroom 15 years teaching, and I think that gives me a perspective of the student side of (being a) student-athlete," Keith said. In the meantime, he is working with the interim director and interviewing tennis coaches, noting that he wants to attract strong coaching talent to the area. "(I hope) to build an environment where coaches want to come and stay and be a part of (ELANCO)," he said. "I am excited to work with our coaches and to build programs that our athletes want to be a part of and more students want to get involved in."

Lastly, Keith noted that he is especially excited to embrace the new challenge. "This isn't just a job," he said. "If I don't succeed, my kids and my community aren't succeeding."