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High school principal to retire
Dave Gregory has spent 45 years in education, the last six as principal of Franklin High School.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
FRANKLIN — After 15 years overseeing the Wildcats of Franklin High School, Dave Gregory is ready to leave the den.
Gregory will retire in June after a 45-year career in education. He served for the last six years as principal of Franklin High School.
Franklin High School Principal Dave Gregory receives an award with a photo of Brandon Johnson on the back during the Senior Awards Ceremony on Thursday evening, May 15. Gregory created the Inspiration Award for Johnson, who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy and passed away in 2004."I've enjoyed working with students and faculty, and I still do," said 66-year-old Gregory. "I think it keeps you young."
After so many years as the face of the school and voice over the intercom, Gregory's absence will be felt by students and faculty alike, who think highly of the no-nonsense educator.
"He's very highly respected by students and staff," said high school teacher Sara Tawil, who also was a student during Gregory's time as principal. "He's definitely going to be missed."
"He is the most understanding, fair, respected person," said high school teacher Kelly Brock. "He is really liked by everyone in the building."
Brock said Gregory was supportive as a boss and was always willing to get to know teachers on a personal level.
"You're not just a teacher, he wants to know what's going on in your life. He makes you feel like you're valued," Brock said.
That same caring relationship also is given to students. "He can come down on them one day and have his arm around them the next," Brock said.
"He's going to be severely missed," she said.
Gregory's retirement will be a second time around for him. He retired after 30 years from Defiance City Schools —where he was born and raised — before taking a job as assistant principal in Franklin.
This time the Middletown resident said retirement will stick, though he'll miss the school day.
"I'll miss the kids and the faculty. I'll miss the interaction with the students," he said.
After so many years in offices, hallways and classrooms, Gregory is looking forward to doing a little roaming. He and his wife have a trip planned to Australia and New Zealand.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or mengle@coxohio.com.
