As a child growing up in Seattle, Washington, my father, a teacher, taught me to love the beauty of the towering evergreens, deep lakes, and snowcapped mountains. The memories of these wonders of nature are always with me. As a child I also loved the teachers and other educators who inspired and challenged me to reach new heights and my own personal goals. I am forever grateful to those who taught me to think and care deeply.

This fall I brought all of my past, all of what I have learned and loved, to my new job as principal of Schenk Elementary School. It has been a wonderful, exciting experience. The students, staff, and parents have made my transition to a new school and position a pleasure and a joy. I appreciate all the kind words and support they have given me to help bring me into the MMSD and Schenk communities.

As the principal at Schenk I have had the pleasure of working closely with fantastic, professional educators who have demonstrated day after day how they love the students and families of the school. I appreciate their dedication and commitment to their practice. They have inspired me and keep me striving to improve my own work.

Despite all the wonderful support I have received, there are times as a new principal when I have felt overwhelmed and stressed out. In those times, I think about those things that have always kept me alive as a person. I think about my wife and two beautiful daughters. I think about the times I found solace in mountains of the Pacific Northwest. I think back to those who inspired me as a child. I think about the one child who I can now inspire.

This year has been a wonderful adventure for me. I look forward with great eagerness for the years ahead of me and the opportunities I will have to develop inspiring memories while at Schenk Elementary.