Howard E. Thirkill

The Howard E. Thirkill Elementary School was built in 1967 and was named after Howard E. Thirkill, a lifelong resident of Soda Springs.

Mr. Thirkill served for more than 20 years as a member of the Soda Springs School District #150 Board of Trustees.  He worked as a chairman of the board for 10 years and as a clerk for the remaining time.

Mr. Thirkill had such a great reputation of being a fair arbitrator that the Idaho State Department of Education often used him to mediate in districts around the State of Idaho that were having negotiation difficulties.

Due to Mr. Thirkill’s vision, hard work, and foresight, land was purchased to build a new elementary school.  When it was decided to build a new elementary school, the school board decided to name the new elementary school after Mr. Thirkill to honor him for his 20 plus years of service on the school board and his dedication to education.

It was Mr. Thirkill’s hope that the children who would attend this new school would receive quality instruction and therefore would walk a little lighter with eyes a little brighter, because of his love for them and education.

We are honored to have such a rich history for our school and appreciate Mr. Thirkill’s love of and dedication to education.