The People Who Make a Small Town Big

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in our hands to make a difference.” – Nelson Mandela

This month, our school had the opportunity to recognize Mr. Roger Rache as our Community Star. The Community Star Awards, presented by the Inyo County Board of Education and County Superintendent Barry Simpson, honor individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the lives of students and staff across Inyo County.

In Lone Pine, that person is Roger Rache.

If you’ve spent any time around Lone Pine High School athletics, you’ve probably seen him. He’s there—game after game—supporting our teams, encouraging our athletes, and bringing a little extra with him each time.

Roger brings snacks to every game—and not just for our team. He makes sure the visiting team has some too. It’s a simple act. But it says a lot. In a world where competition can sometimes get the better of us, Roger reminds us what sportsmanship and community are supposed to look like. He shows our students that how you treat people matters just as much as how you perform. Organizations like CIF and the Central Section spend time reminding us what not to do at events. People like Roger show us what to do. Support your team. Respect your opponent. Treat people the right way.

Recently, I revisited Invisible Man and was reminded of a powerful idea—the feeling of being present, but unseen. It’s something many people experience at different points in their lives. In big places, it can be easy to feel that way. In Lone Pine, we have a choice. We choose to see people. When I asked our staff to nominate someone for this recognition, it wasn’t even close. And when I shared that Roger had been selected, the response was the same—this just felt right.

When I first arrived in Lone Pine around this time last year, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. My interview was on May 14, 2025. I made the six-hour drive from San Francisco, through Sacramento and into the Owens Valley. It was still snowing in Tahoe and along the stretch between Mammoth and Bishop. I gave myself an extra day to get a feel for the town. Turns out, I didn’t need it. It doesn’t take long to recognize what makes a place special. Big cities have bright lights. Small towns have bright people.

People like Roger Rache.

In places like Lone Pine, you don’t have to look far to find the people who make a difference. They’re not looking for recognition. They’re just showing up, doing what they’ve always done—supporting others, lifting people up, and making this community better. Moments like the Community Star Awards give us a chance to pause and recognize that. Because in the end, success here isn’t measured by recognition. It’s measured by impact.

Big cities can make people feel small. In small towns, people like Roger stand tall. John F. Kennedy once said, “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” Roger is proof of that. He makes people feel seen. And here’s the part that matters most—he’s not doing anything extraordinary. He’s just showing up. Consistently. Thoughtfully. For others. That’s it.

And yet, that simple choice—to see people, to care, to give a little more than expected—has had a lasting impact on our students, our school, and our community. That’s something all of us can do. Because in a place like Lone Pine, being uncommon doesn’t require something big. Sometimes, it just requires you to see the person right in front of you. And in a place like Lone Pine, the people who make the biggest difference are the ones who choose to see others first.

Thank you, Roger, and Congratulations.

 

 

William A Brown, Superintendent/Principal

Lone Pine Unified School District

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