Principal challenges his students

By Isaac Halyard

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I am extremely troubled by a recent guest column (Jan. 9, Dick Fredericks) about Washington High School and its principal, Mr. Ralph Plagman. As a senior at Washington, I offer personal insight as to why our principal inspires my classmates and me to achieve.

It begins with respect. As freshmen, my friends and I were surprised to find that in a few short weeks, Mr. Plagman had learned all of our names along with the names of the other 350 students in our class. We saw that he respects and cares for every student. In turn, Mr. Plagman earned our mutual respect. That respect is visible when he attends every Washington game, meet or show, and in the monthly meetings of Committee WHS., where he buys lunch for students who attend to join him in a discussion.

Most of all, he believes we can all succeed, so he supplies opportunities. He offers 25 Advanced Placement courses, taught by many educators with doctorates. He challenges us to enroll in these classes. He strives for each student to be prepared for college.

Many who graduated began their first year of college at the University of Iowa or Iowa State as sophomores, because of their terrific scores on AP exams, saving thousands of dollars in tuition.

Additionally, Mr. Plagman realizes that students gain more than just enjoyment by partaking in extracurricular activities. These activities broaden horizons, teach valuable lessons and develop a well-roundedness that builds character. Every year, students participate in numerous state qualifying and championship athletic teams, and this year Washington had 31 All-State musicians.

Mr. Plagman stresses the value of being a student/athlete/musician/artist/innovator. These are the sort of well-rounded students that colleges love - which is why our students are consistently accepted into some of the nation's best schools and receive full-ride presidential scholarships from terrific Iowa universities.

Unfortunately, in every school, including Washington, there are circumstances that can affect a student's motivation to achieve, and no principal can address all of these conditions. However, Mr. Plagman has created an inspirational environment, where those who are willing to make an effort can excel. He has changed the lives of many who never imagined they could succeed.

His process of education should be set as a benchmark for educators nationwide. I have never before had a principal so positively involved in the life and aspirations of the student body,

Isaac Halyard, student at Washington High School, is the senior class president, the Arts and Entertainment Editor of The Surveyor and a commended National Merit Scholar. Comments: isaac.halyard@gmail.com