Mr. Stutzman is resigning after 2018-2019 school year from NHHS

By: Callie Weatherly

Earlier this month, Mr. Stutzman announced his resignation. He will be leaving NHHS at the end of this school year and will be going back to Hermann High School.

Although we are saddened by his departure, Mr. Stutzman is going to try his best to do the Shamrocks proud until his final days as principal. Mr. Stutzman says, “I want to finish strong. I am a firm believer in never burning a bridge, and I want to continue to work hard and give this school and community my best effort each day until I'm gone.”

Throughout his time here at New Haven, Mr. Stutzman has been greatly impacted by the students and the faculty. Mr. Stutzman shares, “I believe I have grown as a person and as an administrator while at New Haven.  I wear many hats during the course of a day, and it has given me a better appreciation for what others do on a daily basis to make each day successful.”

Furthermore, Mr. Stutzman hopes that his impact on the school community is just as positive. He says, “I try to show up every day, work hard, and be an example for others to follow.  I hope the students, teachers, and parents know this decision had nothing to do with my feelings about them or this school. It had more to do with my feelings about Hermann and what is best for my family at this time.  After I leave, I hope that everyone will say that I had a positive impact on their [lives].”

Obviously Mr. Stutzman loves the Shamrocks, so why would he want to leave?

“Well, I spent 16 years in Hermann before coming to New Haven 3 years ago,” Mr. Stutzman begins. “When their current principal announced his retirement, some old friends contacted me to see if I would be interested.  I looked into it, applied, and in the end, I felt like it was the best decision for my family.”

Furthermore, Mr. Stutzman continues, “I have been in education for 24 years… 16 at Hermann.  Going back there will seem like a homecoming of sorts. I look forward to seeing old friends.  I look forward to seeing how the students have grown and matured since I last had them as students.  But mostly, I look forward to seeing how I can help the district/school be better each day.”

Although he will be moving forward, he will still miss New Haven. When asked what he will miss the most, Mr. Stutzman says, “The ‘togetherness’ that exists amongst the staff.  They are a great group of people and educators and work extremely hard to do what is best for students.”

Mr. Stutzman later added, “I am very appreciative of the opportunity I was given to be the principal here at NHMS/NHHS.  I have learned a lot about myself in the last 3 years and I have learned a lot about what makes a school successful. I will always think positively about my time here.  I want the teachers, students and parents to know that they will always be on my mind. I wish the Shamrocks the best of luck moving forward.”

The show must go on, however. Mr. Stutzman has received an amazing opportunity, and all of his students and all of his fellow faculty members are happy for him. Although he may be a Hermann Bearcat at heart, he will always have the togetherness of a Shamrock. We wish you the best of luck, Mr. Stutzman.