Principal Appreciation Month is celebrated every year during the month of October. This year, the Red and Black, will be featuring the dedicated and passionate principals who help make our school district the best it can be.
For the third installment of this series, we head to Oregon Middle School to interview Mr. Lake.
Q.1 How long have you been a principal?
Twelve years.
Q.2 Did you always want to be a principal?
No, I started my career in the business world, I then was a business teacher for eight years and loved it. I was a coach for wrestling, football, and lacrosse at the middle school and high school levels. I then decided that I wanted a new challenge to be a School Administrator. I was an Assistant Principal for six years and then became a Principal.
Q.3 Who inspired you to pursue education?
I had two awesome parents that always supported me, so they were the first. I also grew up having great teachers and coaches and they gave me so much that I want to be like them and give back to students also.
Q.4 What is your favorite memory from being a principal?
Every year when I am able to sit on the stage at the high school commencement, I am able to see all of the students that went to Oregon Middle School graduate. I feel a little pride in knowing that the experience we gave the students at Oregon helped them get to the point of graduating high school.
Q.5 What makes being a principal at your school special?
I believe that we have a very special school at Oregon Middle School. We treat each other like a family and I love to come to work every day. I love the fact that I am not only the Principal but I am also a community member of the school district. I take great pride in our school and the success of each and every student.