Bear Creek K-8 library gets ‘Dolled-up’

Posted Thursday, October 9, 2008 12:00 am

Ryan Parker

Margaret “Molly” Doll was the principal of Bear Creek Elementary, later K-8, for over 20 years and for her accomplishments in the school and the community the library of the new building was named after her.

The event took place Sunday, Oct. 5 at 9601 W. Dartmouth Pl. where various administrators, friends and family of Doll gathered to share their memories of the retired principal.

Jeffco schools Superintendent Cindy Stevenson said Doll was an incredible principal worthy of such an honor.

“Molly came in a long time ago to a school that was not in good shape and had a lot of issues, but she had a vision and changed everything for the better once she was there,” Stevenson said.

Victoria Kaye took over for Doll four years ago as principal of the K-8 school and she said there were big shoes to fill.

“Because of her, people could think of this school with pride. She strove for excellence from her students and staff,” Kaye said.

Doll never settled for less than the best from her teachers and students and they were better people for it, Kaye said.

During the presentation high school student Joe Miller, a former student of Doll’s, said the students thought of the retired principal as a permanent mentor.

“She would sincerely shake our hands and look us in the eye,” he said. Although he was intimidated by Doll at first, he said she became a large part of who he has become.

After a video presentation featuring teachers of the school telling their stories of Doll, Sen. Betty Boyd, D-Lakewood, spoke of the honoree.

“I have long been aware of her culture of excellence. I truly believe there is no better legacy than to have a library named after you,” Boyd said.

Doll took the stage with Stevenson while the superintendent read the plaque that will be displayed in the school commemorating the honor. Doll said she was supposed to be the principal of another school, but fate brought her to Bear Creek.

“Had I never come here, I would have missed it. There would have been a void in my life,” Doll said.

Doll said she knew the school had its troubles, but she had the confidence in knowing that she could make the difference needed.

“I thought I would have a footprint on this school, but I didn’t know the school and the community would leave such a footprint on me,” she said of her life in Lakewood.

Doll assured everyone at the school that she did miss them and, “this dedication means I will always be a part of the community,” she said.

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