Zagel Deserves Recognition

Zagel mows the East Campus lawn. Photo by Matt Love.

As students enjoyed a carefree summer, our school took on a frenzied makeover. Walls needed knocking down, building up and painting. Weeds needed pulling and flowers needed planting. Bricks needed stacking and boxes needed moving. We came back to a school more beautiful than the one we left in June.

What we may not realize realize is that we owe abundant thanks to our Principal, Jon Zagel, for remaining our fearless leader through it all.

“He literally worked all summer,” said Assistant Principal Aaron Belloni, “Mr. Zagel really loves this school.” Giving up family time, a set of rare baseball tickets and his three week July vacation are only a few of the countless sacrifices Zagel made for NHS.

Over the summer, Zagel not only dealt with the political mess that comes with combining schools, but also contributed to the beautification of the NHS campus. Have you enjoyed lunch in the courtyard on the new picnic benches? Zagel built those with his own hands. Have you passed the freshly painted walls and lockers? Zagel helped paint them. He is no stranger to grunt work.

“One night, the custodians weren’t available to empty my garbage,” said teacher Samantha Murphy, “My boss emptied my trash so that I would be ready for Link Crew the next day. Mr. Zagel is an excellent example of leadership. He’s willing to do whatever needs to be done, regardless of what that is.”

Our humble principal went above and beyond for us these past few months. You could say we’ve been spoiled. Not all principals are willing to do those things he does. He is, in fact, a rare breed. When you see Zagel in the hallway, flash him an appreciative smile. Better yet, personally thank him. He deserves that and so much more. We are profoundly blessed to have him.

By Avery Heater