| Over the doorway of an office near the entrance to North Hall
is a sign which reads "Someone has to make it happen." In this office
is Dr. Fred C. Adams, who, after 12 years as principal of Chaffey High School,
has announced his retirement.
The conclusion of the 1983-1984 school year will mark the completion of Dr.
Adams' 38th year in education. Of his 38 years as teacher and
administrator, Dr. Adams has spent 30 years in California. Twelve years of his
career were spent as principal of Inglewood High School. While in his position
at Inglewood he made his first association with Chaffey High School through
former CHS principal, Mr. Ernie Payne. In 1972 he was selected as chief
administrator of Chaffey, where he has been "blessed by the students,
staff, faculty and parents involved."
In his career as principal of Chaffey, which he views as a "complicated
school", Dr. Adams has been faced with many challenges. The size of the
school brings a vast number of students within its boundaries. "We have
every slice of life here. We're a reflection of the families and communities we
serve." The fact that Chaffey is an old school with many established
traditions presents somewhat of a problem to Dr. Adams. Although these
challenges sometimes present problems for Dr. Adams, his fondness of Chaffey is
apparent as he states, "If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it the
same way."
Reflecting back on his 12 years as principal at Chaffey, Dr. Adams sees many
changes that have taken place. Student and parent involvement have diminished
greatly. He no longer sees school as the center of students' lives, for many
diversions are apparent. Although such changes have affected Dr. Adams, he
states "I think we are on the upswing and I am very optimistic about the
future of education."
Association with such a wide slice of life at Chaffey has taught Dr. Adams
emphasizes that "someone has to make it happen. An idea can't
happen, and regardless who the someone is, someone has to make it
happen." He has learned not to be discouraged by failure, for he feels
"more can be learned by failure than by all of the successes collected on
the way." Most of all, he has learned to be a good listener, because only
then can acceptance of new thoughts and ideas occur.
The conclusion of the 1983-1984 school year will also mean the conclusion of
38 years in education for Dr. Fred Adams and the beginning of a bright
retirement. When asked if there was a special message he wished to communicate
to the students of Chaffey High School, Dr. Adams replied, "My years at
Chaffey have been most memorable. I deeply appreciate the understanding, respect
and love of the Chaffey students." |
