Pacifica Stories

Each year, the Crawford Award is given to a non-teaching staff member for their dedication and service to Pacifica. This year, our Director of Academic Counseling Carly Barforth received this award. Ms. Barforth is known at Pacifica for her enthusiastic energy, her willingness to listen and help, and her ability to care deeply for students while holding them accountable. In her three years on staff, she has made an undeniable impact on our school culture and community. Read on to hear what some of our other administrators have to say about Carly!

Carly is the heart and soul at the hub of Pacifica, our counseling office. She cares deeply about our students and parents, and more than that, she cares about her colleagues. It is in her DNA to serve the big picture and all of the details along the way. She is a living example of our school mission. Not only does she do outstanding work, but she brings the fun. From the celebration of birthdays and March Madness competitions to the all-school retreat, she has the WOW!! Factor. Carly is a culture carrier and has made a tremendous impact on all of us. Thank you, Carly!!!
- Jim Knight, Head of School

When you hire a new employee, sometimes it can feel like a roll of the dice not knowing what type of person you're really going to get on that first day of work. But when a candidate overnights you a local pastry from Wisconsin as a "thank you for the interview" note, you know you've got a surefire bet. 
And while it's only been 3 years since that fateful kringle arrived, it feels like Ms Barforth has been a part of the Pacifica community for much longer than her actual tenure. What makes Carly special isn't just her Midwest accent or her love for the Green Bay Packers but the intangible traits of someone whose DNA matches the ethos of this institution. 
Not only is Carly a strong mission fit, deep in her faith, but she's also generous in her willingness to give of her time and celebrate students and staff. Need a desk completely gift wrapped to celebrate someone's birthday? Carly's got you covered. Want to pop into the office for help or just to chat? She's never short for time to lend an ear or talk through a crisis. Carly is a catalyst and it's why for the 2023-2024 school year, Pacifica Christian High School is proud to honor Ms. Barforth with the Joan Crawford Award for administrative service and leadership. 
- Wally Hirsch, Associate Head of School for Student Affairs

Carly is an incredible servant - leader. She puts the students first, challenging them to excel and advocating for them during any times of struggle. Students are drawn to her because she leads with relationship. She knows her students personally - what makes them frustrated and what motivates them to greatness. She is also an amazing servant of Pacifica, constantly showing up to events and leaning into everything that is happening at our school. She is literally everywhere doing everything and the students see it everyday. 
- Erick Streelman, Principal