Clayton Carefoot graduated from university in 2005.
His travels since have taken him from Arborg to Erickson, to Neepawa, to Carberry, and back to Dauphin.
Born and raised in Dauphin, Carefoot returned home in 2016. Earlier this week, it was announced that Carefoot is the new principal at Whitmore School in Dauphin.
"It's pretty neat, it's surreal," said Carefoot. "I was here for a brief time in 2022. I had to take some time off work because of health issues. It's neat to come back."
Since the announcement was made public, Clayton said the support has been amazing. He's grateful to everyone who has reached out to congratulate him.
"Thank you. It's amazing. We all do things and forget the impact we have on others and the supporters we have," offered Clayton. "We always have people rooting for us that we didn't know or forgot. I'm not a big fan of this attention, but it's nice to know so many people are rooting for me."
Carefoot believes he's the right fit because he has always been able to connect with students.
"I'm not afraid to get down to their level and try to make a difference," commented Carefoot. "I think there are many candidates that could have taken the job, I'm just the lucky one. The timing was perfect."
Carefoot takes over for Gord Wood, who became the assistant superintendent with Mountain View School Division. Having previously worked at Whitmore, Carefoot has a good understanding of the current staff and is looking forward to getting to know the new students and staff.
"I think those are reasons why I felt I could come here and fit in," ended Carefoot. "It's been really good."
20 years strong in education, and now, Clayton Carefoot is the new principal at Whitmore School.
