The Grand Forks School District is losing two very popular, long-standing principals to retirement. Viking principal George Whalen and Scott Johnson, the principal at Lewis and Clark, are retiring at the close of this school year.
During the past two years, it has been my pleasure to work with both of these men. As a substitute teacher, I have taught for more than 200 school days in each of the elementary and middle schools in Grand Forks, and I have worked for more than 50 of those days at the retirees' respective schools.
I have observed a similar passion and compassion in both of these school leaders. On a daily basis, they are outside of their offices when students arrive, greeting the students with high fives and addressing them by their first names. Smiles and hugs are also prevalent among the arriving students.
As a visitor to their schools, I was always greeted warmly and offered any assistance in organizing my day. I would see both of these men throughout the day, visiting classrooms and investing their time with students and staff.
At the retirement receptions in recent weeks, I was touched by the notes and posters from the students that adorned the hallways and by the comments of appreciation from current and former colleagues.
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Retirement affords an opportunity to reflect on those special times we spend with people whom we appreciate and respect. It is evident that Whalen and Johnson touched many lives and created many memories with their students and staff. Our community is better because of their influence in our schools.
Doug Ericksmoen
Grand Forks
