Shade steps into role as Lennox Activities Director

New Activities Director, Casey Shade is pictured above with his wife, Kendra and children Murray and Sloane. 

When the 2025–26 school year kicked off on Aug. 20, Lennox students weren’t the only ones beginning a new chapter. Casey Shade officially started his role as Lennox School District’s Director of Activities in July, bringing with him a wealth of experience in athletics, education, and community leadership.

For Shade, the path to education and athletics was paved early on.

“A major influence in my journey into education and athletics was the way I grew up,” Shade said. “My mom was the athletic coordinator and PE teacher at Whittier Middle School in Sioux Falls, so from a young age I was a ‘gym rat,’ constantly around practices, games, and athletic events. I learned how to run a scoreboard, set up bleachers, nets, and hoops, play music, and even work a concession stand. Being immersed in that environment gave me a firsthand appreciation for the impact an athletic leader can have on a school community.”

He added that mentors from Washington High School and later the University of South Dakota further inspired him. 

“I was also fortunate to have incredible coaches and teachers at Washington High School who shaped me, such as Coach Hermanson in football and Coaches Gebhart and Reilly in track, along with teachers like Mrs. French in kindergarten, Miss Hawk in middle school, and Mr. Bortnem in high school. Their guidance left a lasting mark on me,” Shade added. “I continued my athletic career at the University of South Dakota, where I competed in track and field under Coach Gotts, who reinforced the idea that coaches have the power to create lifelong influence on student-athletes. These experiences collectively inspired me to pursue a career in education and athletics so I could provide the same type of mentorship, leadership, and positive impact that I was fortunate to receive.”

After graduating from USD in 2014, Shade began his career at Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls, where he served as both coach and teacher. At Roosevelt he served as an assistant cross country and track coach under Jason Wagoner, while also working in the school office and gaining valuable experience in the behind-the-scenes operations of a school. He went on to serve as an over-enrollment physical education teacher across four elementary schools, later moving to Pettigrew Elementary, before returning to Roosevelt as a high school PE teacher and eventually head cross country and track and field coach in 2021.

During his time at Roosevelt, Shade’s teams achieved school records and state titles. He also launched programs like the School of Speed and unified track. 

“My years at Roosevelt were incredibly formative, both personally and professionally,” he said. “Additionally, I’m especially proud of my work teaching adapted physical education, where I was able to make an impact through PE classes, special events, unified sports, and everyday interactions with students.”

But when the opportunity at Lennox opened, Shade knew it was the right step—not just professionally, but personally.

“A major reason I was drawn to the Activities Director position at Lennox is because of my family,” he said. “My wife, Kendra, just completed her 10th year teaching high school special education in the district, and my children, Sloane and Murray, are now entering 2nd grade. Through them, Lennox has always felt like home.”

Shade said he has seen firsthand the pride this community has in its schools and the incredible people who make it such a welcoming place. 

“From the way my children have been supported at Lennox Elementary—by Principal Mr. Lutes and teachers like Mrs. Bartscher, Mrs. Strasser, Mrs. Bauder, and Mrs. Lundquist—to the warm greetings from leaders like Mr. Allison and Mrs. Kuyper, I’ve witnessed the positive impact Lennox educators have on students every day,” Shade explained. “I also admire the Oriole pride and strong sense of school spirit that defines the district. For me, this position was not just about a career move but about uniting my family in one district where we can all contribute to helping kids succeed. It felt like the right time to join Kendra, Sloane, and Murray in Lennox and become part of a community that already means so much to us.”

As Shade steps into the role, his focus is clear: serving and supporting.

“As I begin this role, my overall philosophy is to serve and support,” he said. “My job is to help coaches, directors, staff, administrators, students, parents, and community members, while being a catalyst for growth and positive participation across all activities.”

His vision includes creating a Student Activity Council and an Athletic and Fine Arts Advisory Committee, as well as developing a Next Level Preparedness program to guide students giving students and families resources on academic expectations, recruiting, NCAA eligibility, timelines, and the overall demands of college participation. Additionally, Shade wants to explore how the District’s PE schedule can incorporate athletic development in strength, speed, and jumping ability during the school day—helping reduce the reliance on early morning sessions.

“Finally, I want to continue building Oriole pride by raising participation, finding ways to get students not currently involved to try at least one activity, and encouraging those already participating to explore multiple opportunities,” said Shade. “Part of this also includes celebrating and sharing all the great things our students are doing with stakeholders and the community. I want people to see, hear, and feel the excitement of Lennox activities every day.”

Shade emphasized that building relationships is at the heart of his work.

“I feel very fortunate to already have a foundation of relationships in Lennox through my wife, Kendra, and our children, Sloane and Murray, being part of the district,” he said. “Since being selected as the next AD last spring, I’ve been intentional about enhancing those connections through early meetings and many conversations with coaches, directors, and staff. One unique advantage in this first year is that I am also teaching high school PE, which gives me daily opportunities to build strong relationships with our ninth graders and upperclassmen.”

Shade believes relationship building was one of his strongest suits during my time in the Sioux Falls School District, and he plans to continue that same approach here in Lennox.

“ I will also add that the Lennox community has been incredibly welcoming, which has made learning the routines and culture of the district a smooth and enriching experience. The administrative team has also been extremely supportive during these early stages of my career as an Activities Director, helping make the transition both seamless and successful,” said Shade. 

Outside of work, Shade still actively trains and competes in track and field, and he enjoys hunting and spending time with family. 

“I enjoy racing in college and open meets when I can, usually focusing on the 800 meters but also occasionally competing in the 400, 600, or 1000. It’s always a fun experience being the ‘old guy’ on the line racing against college athletes—I like to joke that I had to feed my kids pancakes before coming to race, while they just rolled out of the dorm,” he added. “Outside of track, another passion of mine is hunting. I spend a lot of time pheasant and deer hunting near my parents’ ranch by Wall Lake, and I also enjoy heading west river to deer hunt with my dad. Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with my family. You’ll frequently see me around Lennox doing activities with my kids—whether at the football field, in the gyms, or supporting events in the community.”

Shade is quick to note that his door is always open.

“As I get started in this role, I want the Lennox community to know that I am here to help and that my door is always open—please feel free to reach out at any time,” he said. “I also ask for a little patience as I learn Lennox and Lennox learns me, but I am truly excited for what we can accomplish together.”

And as for his new community, he’s grateful. “Thanks for the warm welcome—and Go O’s!”