Voices for Education: The Dr. Matthew Told Family

Dr. Told with his wife, Katie, with their children and grandchildren

In Grangeville, where community and heritage intertwine, the Told family exemplifies a dedication to growth, education, and service. Led by Dr. Matthew Told, a physician at Syringa Hospital and Clinics, their story is a testament to the impact of education on individual lives and community well-being.

Dr. Matthew Told, a native of Texas and raised in Colorado, has always understood the value of education and community service. Influenced by his father, a D.O. who made house calls in rural Colorado, Matthew learned the importance of healthcare and compassion at a young age. "Watching my father work, I saw the respect and love he received from the community. It inspired me to pursue a path where I could make a similar impact," reflects Dr. Told. After completing his education and residency, he chose Grangeville as the place to raise his family and serve the community.

I love our community. I had stood on the backs of many giants to get to the position I am in, and I dare say you all have stood on the backs of giants. At some point, we have to become the giants for others to stand on to get to where they need to be.

Drawing from his deep community ties and professional experience, Dr. Told shares an inspiring perspective: “I love our community. I had stood on the backs of many giants to get to the position I am in, and I dare say you all have stood on the backs of giants. At some point, we have to become the giants for others to stand on to get to where they need to be. I would submit there are four things we need in a community to make it a great place to live: great medical care, great schools, great places to worship, and a great local government. Without these four, we start to have a crumbling society. Let’s pay it forward by investing in our schools; I guarantee it will pay dividends in the future.”

Dr. Told and his wife, Katie, an interior designer, are deeply invested in the local community along with their children, Zach, Michael, Emmie, Halle, and William. His children, alumni or current students of Grangeville High School, personify the benefits of its educational programs and have embarked on ambitious educational paths thanks to the foundational experiences provided by their local schooling.

Michael Told, a 2018 graduate, highlights the comprehensive educational opportunities that set him on the path to success: “During my time at GHS, involvement in Student Council, Youth Legislature, and various sports helped hone my leadership and team-building skills. These experiences were instrumental in preparing me for a rigorous academic life in molecular biology at BYU, where I am now involved in cutting-edge genetic research.”

Emmie Told (GHS Class of 2023) echoes her brother’s sentiments, adding detail to her journey, “The dedicated teachers at GHS fostered my love for chemistry and pushed me to excel, enabling me to secure scholarships and honors placements in college. Mr. Bass in Chemistry, Mrs. Bass in Honors English, and Mr. Sullivan in History were particularly influential in motivating me to pursue higher education with vigor.”

Zachary Told (GHS Class of 2016) adds a note on the broader impacts of education, “My education in Grangeville didn’t just prepare me for academic success; it instilled a deep sense of community and responsibility, which I carry into my work in biomedical science. The balance of rigorous academics and community involvement at GHS laid a solid foundation for my subsequent studies and my current pursuit of a doctorate in osteopathic medicine.”

The Told family's narrative is a compelling argument for the importance of continued investment in our schools. Their professional achievements and personal growth showcase the direct benefits of educational support in our small towns.

Investing in our schools is investing in our future. Let's ensure that Grangeville remains a place where every family can thrive, and every child can dream big."

As we approach the vote on the 244 levy, it's essential to recognize that by voting to approve, we are committing to maintaining the legacy of educational excellence that has defined our community. Dr. Told sums it up: "Investing in our schools is investing in our future. Let's ensure that Grangeville remains a place where every family can thrive, and every child can dream big."

Let’s uphold our tradition of strong community and educational excellence.

Vote YES on the 244 levy—for our children, and for our community’s future.