A View from the Now-Retired Principal's Seat

Dear Willis and Linda, By now you've heard I am retiring at the end of this school year.  I have so many people to thank for my career, but I have been hesitant because I know I would miss recognizing someone.  I hope the countless colleagues, students, staff, parents, mentors, and friends who have supported and inspired me in so many ways will find a bit of my thanks here.   Still, I couldn't end this journey without reaching out to you, Linda and Willis.   It's been over 35 years since we first met when I was a junior in high school.  Willis, do you remember that first meeting?  You were a School Board member for our little, rural district in Wisconsin, and you asked the high school principal (390 students in grades 9-12!) who should consider attending Purdue University--7 hours away and in Indiana.  The principal called me to the office, and you offered to drive me for a weekend visit.  You chatted with my parents, and you and I made the trip about 3 weeks later. This wa