If you have ever walked the halls of Timber Trail Elementary (TTE), chances are you have been on the receiving end of one of Matt LeClaire’s signature high fives. Known for his ever-changing hair colors, Matt is far more than the Before and After School (BASE) program director. He is a mentor, an advocate for children facing cancer and a symbol of what it means to lead with heart.

“I love all the kids who walk through our doors, whether they’re in my program or not,” Matt said. “This community takes care of each other.”

Every March, Matt participates in a shave event for St. Baldrick’s Foundation (SBF), a nonprofit that has raised $354 million to support cancer research. SBF is the largest funder of childhood cancer research grants in the U.S. and the world.

Matt grows out his hair and beard to support all kids facing cancer but especially to honor his sister Amy, a cancer survivor who at age 7 was diagnosed with kidney cancer.

This year, TTE students went all out, choosing electric blue hair with a bright pink beard for Matt.

“I let the kids vote on the colors before the big shave,” said Matt.

Having taken part in locally-organized SBF shave events for years, Matt decided to host his first solo shave event at TTE raising a total of $1,200.

Before Matt became a teacher and a participant in shave events, he had his own challenges. As a child, school did not come easy for him. One person, his elementary principal Miss Dugan, saw something special in him, something that extended beyond the classroom walls and textbooks. She encouraged Matt, setting him on a path that would become his life’s calling.

“Miss Dugan encouraged me to step up as a leader and support others in need,” said Matt, who listened and leaned forward.

In middle school and high school, Matt was invited to help teachers as a classroom aide, work with students on reading and lead games at recess. He saw how learning could be fun, active and engaging. Today and for nearly a decade, he has volunteered more than 12,500 hours with children needing extra support, helping them to be seen and feel safe.

In 2006, Matt was named a Denver7 Everyday Hero in recognition of his work.

Although Matt is a proud Colorado native, he comes from Dakota Native American roots in Minnesota, with relatives still active in the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community in Mendota, Minnesota.

Matt’s parents moved to Colorado in the late 1970s, but it was his grandmother who made sure he knew who to cheer for on Sundays. “Grandma was the one to always send care packages containing Minnesota Vikings merchandise, so there was no way I would be raised as a Broncos fan,” Matt said, laughing out loud.

After many years of volunteering, Matt realized he belonged in the world of education.  He attended classes at Arapahoe Community College as well as completing training courses offered through Douglas County School District. Matt’s work in education has centered around BASE programs. He began at Pine Lane Elementary in Aurora in 2006, then to Soaring Hawk Elementary before joining TTE in 2020.

Matt’s influence stretches far beyond the walls of his classroom. Whether he is helping with school-wide events, cheering on students at activities, or greeting families in the morning, his presence radiates positivity.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Matt LeClaire as part of our TTE family. He is a true light in our school community, bringing positivity, kindness and a deep sense of care to everything he does,” said Assistant Principal Michael Cordova.

 

By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Matt LeClaire