But it is Kennedy s example that is the most striking to him, the way our former President retained his energy and youth, how he overcame any obstacle in his path, and how his demeanor reflected the pride and focus he kept for his job. It is this man whom Dr. Frederick most directly emulates, and whose qualities he hopes are present in his successor. One would not think that a man whose first job was that of a carpenter s assistant and whose earliest experience with leadership came in the form of the United States Marine Corps would end up a high school principal. Yet, he says, his time as a Marine shaped him into the man he is today even though his inspiration to be a teacher stemmed from his early years in elementary school. Over the course of our interview, that word must have been mentioned at least fifteen times.
Many students speak of close acquaintances and even friendships with our principal.
I, however, have but one tale to tell. Brief though it was, it made an impression on me that has lasted all four years of my high school career. The sense of being in a great big family here is what he would claim is his most important accomplishment. It is a feeling that sustains and rejuvenates me, something that I feel every day when I come in. This is the essence of Dr. Frederick, an abstract that has its foundations securely vested in every act and idea that he has contributed to the school.