Zerkel plans to move on following 2013-14 school year

ROACHDALE -- North Putnam High School Principal Alan Zerkel will be spending his last year among the students and staff of North Putnam before facing his next adventure, retirement.

After spending the past 40 years educating young minds Zerkel has decided to hang up his teaching hat.

"Guess this is something that happens," Zerkel commented. "It's not something I'm thrilled about, but it's time."

Zerkel began on his path of education at Manchester College studying English, speech and U.S. history. He later received his master's degree from Prudue and a Specialist in Education certification from Indiana University.

Zerkel found himself in Wawasee High School in Syracuse teaching speech, English and directing plays.

"There were some good ones (plays), not always though," Zerkel joked about his early teaching career.

After leaving Wawasee, he became the assistant principal at Fairfield Junior Senior High School. This step led him to becoming principal at Fairfield and finally ending up in Putnam County as North Putnam High School's principal in 1993.

Even with one year to go Zerkel will be going into this school year like it was any other year for him, the staff and kids.

"The staff and students are really the ones you (Banner Graphic) should be talking to not me," Zerkel stated as he pulled out a list of names of staff members. "It's the staff and students work that got us to an A rating and being a four star school."

Zerkel went on to tell tales of his time with the students of North Putnam and time spent with the staff. Ever mindful and insistent that what the staff and students did were far more important than anything he has possibly done.

Even with this thought he still remembers to know each of his students. This shows when graduation time comes around. Zerkel started his tradition of naming students and sharing a bit about them during his graduation speech. It started several years ago with him mentioning the four students that sit on stage in front of their peers, it now comes to him mentioning every graduating senior and anecdotes that had happened through the year.

"It's my chance to say one last thing that they can remember," Zerkel said as he recalled some of his speeches. "One time I decided to mention each student individually the speech took 25 minutes instead of six."

With thoughtfulness that has spanned his career Zerkel looks to keep a hand in the education industry when he does retire. He would like to help open a better line of communication with students and staff.

Zerkel also wants to keep up with the kids, but will not be showing up at the school often. He is in the belief that he needs to step aside completely and let a new principal really step in.

With plans to stay in the county after his retirement, Zerkel is looking to get a bit more involved in community activities. He also looks forward to spending some more time with his family.

"I need to make up for some time," Zerkel said soberly. "I'll make it up with my grandkids... Maybe I'll go fishing too."