By Molly Ann Howell
Managing Editor
Current Crownpoint High School students never knew Timothy Lynn Rice. By the time they walked the halls, the legendary history teacher and cross-country coach had already retired after 37 years of service, leaving behind three state championship titles and an induction into the New Mexico Activities Association Hall of Fame.
Yet, when Rice passed away on Nov. 30, 2022, his presence was felt everywhere.
Students began hearing stories from parents, aunts, uncles, and neighbors about the teacher who brought history lessons to life and championed local youth.
Moved by these community memories, social studies teacher Lynnea Smith brought stacks of old yearbooks to her sophomore class during the spring 2023 semester, challenging them to transform the memories into a permanent tribute.
What began as a classroom discussion quickly evolved into a hands-on civics masterclass. Guided by Smith, the students built a social media campaign, gathered stories from past generations, and petitioned the community for a lasting legacy: renaming the school’s football stadium the Tim Rice Memorial Stadium.
“By showing them that experience and showing them that it’s possible to make a change, I think we created better citizens for our schools and our community for tomorrow,” Smith said of the experience.
The project bridged decades of Crownpoint history.
Michelle Miller, a 1997 graduate, shared how Rice used Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” to teach 20th-century history.
“To this day, when I hear that song, I am always reminded of him,” Miller said. “He was one of those teachers who really cared about his students.”
Alumna Jacqueline Arviso (Class of ‘83) remembered a man deeply woven into the fabric of the town.
“He knew everyone at school and knew our Crownpoint community because it was home for his family, too,” she told the students working on the project.
Even after retiring in 2015, Rice’s dedication never wavered. Former cross-country coach Joshua Cascenan remembered seeing Rice in the stands at the Rio Rancho Jamboree and state finals year after year, continuing to cheer for the team he once built.
Armed with 513 petition signatures and an official endorsement from the Navajo Nation Crownpoint Chapter House, recent graduates Jimmy Etcitty and Kathryn Francisco stood before the Gallup-McKinley County Schools board on May 14.
The board unanimously approved the proposal. The field where generations gathered will now officially carry Rice’s name, with a formal dedication ceremony scheduled for the upcoming football season.
