Scholarship honors R.A. Long High principal
Tuesday, June 5, 2007 6:43 AM PDT
By Stephanie Mathieu
Printable version
E-mail this articleTo honor R.A. Long High School's retiring longtime Principal Rollie Johnson, school officials announced they will give one senior a $1,000 scholarship each year in his name.
The scholarship was a surprise for Johnson, who learned about it when the money was awarded to senior Onasis Gonzalez last week during an assembly. She was selected by school officials because she possessed many of Johnson's characteristics, said Jane Ditewig, chairwoman of the R.A. Long Scholarship Foundation. Gonzalez, like Johnson, looks out for students and has a zest for learning and life, Ditewig said.
Gonzalez, a 17-year-old Mexican immigrant who overcame a language barrier to become the school's homecoming queen and a standout soccer player, plans to attend Lower Columbia College next fall. She then wants to earn a law degree and defend immigrant rights.
Along with giving the scholarship in Johnson's name, school members presented the retiring principal with a quilt made by the high school's special education students. On some of the quilt squares, the students imposed pictures of Johnson throughout his career in the district.
"It was an absolute shock," Johnson said of the recognition. "I think this was probably the greatest honor they could show me, because ultimately, it's on behalf of kids. ... I'm just pleased it wasn't a fishing pole or a watch," he joked.
The scholarship will not simply go to the student with the highest grades, Ditewig said, although being a good student is important. "It's a recognition of their character," she added.
The foundation awards about 10 scholarships of various amounts to graduating students each year, Ditewig said. The foundation's assets total about $250,000.
Johnson will be replaced by Andrew Frost, a 34-year-old assistant principal at Cascade High School in Everett. Johnson, who was principal for 25 years, will help train Frost during summer break. His last day is Aug. 17, following the summer graduation ceremony.
The exiting principal acknowledged that he and the school needed the change that will come when he retires, but "I really enjoy being around the kids. ... This has been just a big part of my life for so many years."
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