Full Name: Kayce Lynn Reitz
Place of Birth: Fresno, Ca
Occupation: Teacher
Duties: I teach math, Algebra, and the online high school diploma program “Edgenuity” used by Clovis Unified School District. I am also the Academic Department chair at Clovis Adult Education.
What got you into this line of work? I have always had a passion for helping others, and as a child I would often line up my stuffed animals as my “students” while later I grabbed any willing neighborhood child to sit and learn my lessons.
Education: I graduated from Fresno High School in 1994. I received my Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Fresno City College in 1998 and my Bachelor’s degree from Fresno State in 2000. Finally, I earned my teaching credential from Fresno Pacific University.
First Job: Chuck E Cheese’s on Shaw and Marks was my very first job. I worked there for two years. It was the best place ever. I am still friends with many of my CEC co-workers twenty-some years later.
What did you learn from it? I learned the value of hard work and dedication. I learned how to be part of a team and how to support and encourage others to benefit the company and reflect well back upon oneself. I learned never to judge others for their attitude because I have no idea what they are going through in their personal lives, but rather to treat everyone with kindness and respect.
Family/Children: I have three beautiful children – a daughter and two sons. My daughter, Sianna, graduated from Clovis High in 2015 and now lives near Seattle, Washington. My oldest son, Solomon, is a junior at Clovis High School and my youngest son, Kaysen, is in his first year at Clark Intermediate School.
Road to Clovis: I was born and raised in Fresno, but my father owned a long-time business in Clovis (Bike World on Shaw Ave between Peach and Willow from 1971 – 2013.) I purchased my very first home in Clovis in May of 2002 and although I now own a different house, I still reside in Clovis because it is the best city.
Clubs/Organizations/Memberships: I volunteer for the Cougar Foundation through Clovis High.
Favorite Food: Definitely tacos, but everyone who knows me knows I just love food. All of it. Some of my favorite locally owned restaurants in Clovis are Michelangelo’s, Bowl’s Eye, Carrillo’s, and Press Box.
Favorite Movie: I have to pick just one? That hardly seems fair. Let me go with favorite TV series instead and say “Game of Thrones.”
Favorite Artist or Band: Stevie Wonder (well-known classic) and Rhys Lewis (he’s new and worth looking up.)
Favorite Book or Author: The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers
Favorite Sports Team(s): I have no team, although I love watching football.
Hobbies/Leisurely Pursuits: karaoke – at least two nights per week you can find me around town singing.
How Would You Describe Yourself? I am positive and friendly. I love my children, family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and most people I run into on a daily basis. My desire is to be sunshine to others – to bring light, warmth, and growth to their lives.
What is Something Most People Don’t Know About You? I speak Spanish fluently. After studying the language for 10 years, I lived in Costa Rica with a host family one summer during college. I have since returned a few times and they have visited me here in the U.S. as well.
What is Your Favorite Thing about Clovis? Again, am I limited to just one thing? That is impossible. Old Town has such a picturesque tranquility about it, like the setting of some heartwarming movie. I love the outstanding school district (of which I have been a part for 15+ years) and the peace and safety afforded to us by our wonderful law enforcement officers. The walking/bike trails that meander throughout our town are delightful. I love to support locally owned restaurants that serve up meals that far surpass any chain.
Define the “Clovis Way of Life” or what it means to you:
To me, the “Clovis Way of Life” means living in safety with community among family while striving for excellence.