Mrs. Bracewell: A Legacy of Love and Learning
Mrs. Bracewell: A Legacy of Love and Learning
Isaiah Baucom
After 36 years of shaping young minds and nurturing countless hearts at Colfax-Mingo Elementary, Mrs. Bracewell is retiring as a kindergarten teacher at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. While she won’t have a daily physical presence at the elementary school next school year, Mrs. Bracewell left an unforgettable mark on generations of students, families, and colleagues who entered her classroom, a mark that will carry on for many years to come.
Mrs. Denise (Rawlins) Bracewell graduated in 1985 as part of the last class of Colfax High School. She wanted to remain in the community after the merger because of family and friends, and chose to stay in the district for her entire teaching career because of her students, colleagues, and the supportive communities.
As a child, Bracewell always loved to be around kids. Her mother and grandmother were both teachers, so when her English teacher wrote in her notebook her senior year that she would be an excellent teacher, it set off a spark. Bracewell enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa, where she received her bachelor’s degree and earned a Title 1 reading endorsement and coaching license. Bracewell later earned her early child education degree from Upper Iowa in 1996.
Mrs. Bracewell taught 8th grade Title 1 reading for two years before moving to the kindergarten level for 34 years. One of the things Mrs. Bracewell enjoyed the most about the kindergarten level was getting to read stories aloud to the kids and to teach them to read. She also loved that her students always made the day so interesting which provided Bracewell with 36 years of memories and stories to share. Mrs. Bracewell also served as a softball coach and junior high student council sponsor, was a lifelong Colfax-Mingo Education Association member, and has served on the C-M Education Foundation for many years.
Mrs. Sherry Kuchenbecker taught at the kindergarten level with Bracewell for the majority of their teaching careers and enjoyed their time together as colleagues and later friends. “There are so many things to say about Rawly. During our 26 years teaching together there was always a mutual respect for each other. As the years went by she felt like family to me and my family. We shared lots of good times together and even shared some sad times together. Rawly is a wonderful friend to all and her caring personality is unbelievable. She has the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone. I was so lucky and proud to call her my teammate and now a lifelong friend.”
Principal Brian Summy also worked with Mrs. Bracewell for over 20 years and echoed Kuchenbecker’s feelings saying, “Denise has been a constant source of warmth, laughter, and learning in our kindergarten classrooms. Throughout my time at C-M, she has been a steady presence — patiently guiding our youngest learners with love and joy. Her legacy will live on in every child who began their educational journey with her.”
Mrs. Bracewell’s retirement plans are to travel with her husband Dave, enjoy her time reading on her porch, and substitute teach at C-M. Bracewell added, “Being a teacher has filled my heart and I will miss it. Thanks to everyone who has been a part of my career.” Congratulations on your retirement, Mrs. Bracewell!
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