Flora High School students will be saying goodbye to their principal of nine years, Darrell Gummert. After spending 37 years working in the educational field, Gummert has finally decided to retire. His official date of retirement will be on Tuesday, June 3.

Gummert was first exposed to the thought of becoming a teacher through his mother. His parents wished him the best of luck in the field, and were very proud of their son.

“My wife, Debbie Gummert, is also involved in education, and is a teacher at Flora High School,” Gummert stated, “Coincidentally enough, she has four years left before her retirement as of 2014, my retirement year.”

When he first took an interest in a school-based career, Gummert had planned to attend Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, and major in history and physical education. Gummert graduated with his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. His original plan was to become a high school coach, and in order for this to happen, Gummert had to have a teaching degree.

“I always wanted to coach, but I felt as if a career in administration was the right choice for me,” Gummert said.

Gummert made his last year memorable to the 2014 senior class by handing out quarters when the first quarter of school ended, half dollars when the first semester ended, and three quarters when seniors were three quarters of the way finished with their senior year.

“I have seen the students of the 2014 senior class grow and mature from the time of their freshman year until now,” Gummert said, “I planned to retire in 2014, so when their class finally made it to the high school, reality set in for me that my time here is nearly over.”

Taking over for Gummert as FHS Principal will be Toby Pearce, who has been working as Vice Principal for many years. Bobby McNeely has been appointed to take the position of Vice Principal.

“I told Mr. Pearce that he needs to make sure to enjoy every day as Principal,” Gummert said, “I hope he continues to strive for the same goal I had as Principal, and that is to help students become productive members of society.”

Gummert’s long career has proved his passion for education and his drive to complete this long journey he started all those years ago. In this his final year, he is able to sit back and relax, and really spend time connecting with the students and faculty of FHS.

“I hope that during my time at FHS, I have helped students feel positive about their lives, and taught them to make every day count, because once it’s gone, you can never get it back,” Gummert said.

After his retirement has taken effect, Gummert plans to continue to live in Flora with his wife, and ultimately enjoy life.

“One thing I have come to realize after all of these years working at FHS is that Flora is a very positive community,” Gummert stated, “The community cares about its students and works hard to help out any way they can. I look forward to retiring in this community.”