Elaine Padilla was a long serving volunteer in 27J Schools, including at Brighton High School. Her advocacy for youth began when her daughter, who was blind, started Kindergarten in 1977. She strove for full inclusion for students with different learning needs. In addition, she served for many years on the 27J District Accountability Committee. Elaine was a familiar face in Brighton schools for over 20 years, as a parent, volunteer coach, laborer, advocate, organizer, and leader. Elaine believed that school athletics provided one path to academic success. She not only attended games, matches, and plays, she anonymously paid activity fees for students who would not otherwise have been able to participate. In addition to her work in 27J schools, Elaine was active in the larger Brighton community. She served as a member of the Platte Valley Medical Center Board of Directors and as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the Brighton Police Athletic League sports programs.

27J Schools is honored to have the name of someone who gave so much to our district’s community on our newest elementary. Elaine’s commitment to creating an inclusive community by giving back to schools makes her a tremendous person to lend her name to our school. Elaine’s legacy will help to serve as a model for the inclusive community that we hope to create at Elaine Padilla Elementary School.