I walk in honor of Mr. Jerry Koetje. He was a great principal who put his students first and thought outside the box, especially with students who needed that extra love. As a teacher I got to see this first hand. He did the same working with staff and families. It truly inspired me. He told me I needed to be a principal and I quickly said no. I didn’t want to go back to school. I was very happy teaching in the classroom. But he kept insisting and so one day I told him I would go back to college. Unfortunately, later mid year my understanding is he had a heart attack. It was a surprise to many of us. I kept my promise, went back to school and this year I became the principal of Lake Hood Elementary.
I also met another amazing person, Mr. Wayne Pichon who is a volunteer at Lake Hood who goes above and beyond. He helps our outdoors look beautiful through the summer months, works with our staff and students with the garden, and has provided funds for our school for various needs like making sure all our students have winter gear. This year he sponsored our whole school in the Heart Run. We thank him so much!!