Deseret News | Reader comments: 3 Utah principals honored by peers

Reader comments
3 Utah principals honored

suzyk | 3:36 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

It's nice they are still recognizing leaders for their positive influence within the school system. The challenges are tremendous and I admire those who are able to stay in there. Our children and grandchildren need to experience being around them as long as they are influences for the good.

widerberg | 4:02 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

I can appreciate a good Principal and have known many. I unerstand Mont Widerberg from Alta High School is in his final year. Alta deserves a strong principal after enduring years under Mr. Widerberg.

Alta | 4:10 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

It is wonderful these great influences are being honored. I only hope next year Alta High School will get a Principal with the same desire to encourage positive influences.

Comments continue below

hooters | 4:32 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Whatever did happen to the coach who took the kids to Hooters? Was that the baseball coach? This principal did nothing?

Anonymous | 4:38 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Principals set the example for the whole school and the good ones fight the unpopular fights if it benefits the students. I admire such Principals. I don't know much about the Alta guy but I do remember the baseball news and Hooters.

Homeliest Man in Wyoming | 5:32 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

I couldn't be happier for Rulon. He is one of the finest men I know. He is a great administrator, educator and person. I also take it as a high honor to count him as a friend. Congratulations to you and to the other honorees.

Dart Fan | 6:16 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

Is Dr. Homer any relation to Mae Homer a Dart in the years 48-50???

Don C Overly | 8:23 p.m. Jan. 7, 2009

I vote for a long retired principal who showed me some class: Mr. Don C. Overly, American Fork High School. We had a chance during my junior year to solve a problem and he solved it with a wink and a nod and a full understanding of how important the issue was.

Class act. I still think about that day on occasion and hope I am as full of wisdom and compassion as he was back in 1963.

Go Ackerman! | 9:54 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Joanne Ackerman is one of the greatest principal's that I have ever worked with. It is so wonderful to finally see such an amazing person to be recognized for the great work that she has been doing for so many years. We need more administrators like her in our schools.

Sharon ROCKS! | 11:30 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I have watched from afar as Sharon Jensen has tackled and overcome huge challenges at all three schools where she's been an administrator. Valley High has been the most challenging and she has risen to new heights there with grace, tact, love and doggedness! I am SOOO proud of what she has accomplished - and ALL of it has been for her students! Way to go, Sis!!!!

Don Overly? | 5:43 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

You are right: Don Overly was a class act. If anyone knows where he is or if he is still alive, tell him he was great! A smart and kind man.

Hooters Coach Incident | 11:38 p.m. Jan. 11, 2009

Yeah, the Principal didn't overreact (maybe he did a little by suspending the coach for a couple of games, I think the place is actually a restaurant and it wouldn't be the first with scantily clad servers, but besides the Hooters name and the mediocre food I don't think it's a strip club or anything, I may be wrong). By doing such he kept a coach that has won two state titles and is also a very good wrestling coach. I wonder if those Alta players were really scarred for life by this incident or by taking state.

Dart Mom | 6:49 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009

Dr Homer is wonderful. I applaude all the winners. It takes alot of work but they show it can really make a difference. Keep it up Dr Homer we love you!

librarians | 7:35 p.m. Jan. 13, 2009

Librarians also make a difference. They are the glue that holds it altogether.

Salute to educators everywhere. They make the future better.

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Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Sharon Jensen, assistant principal at Valley High, Joanne Ackerman, principal of West Jordan Middle School, and Dr. Rulon Homer, principal of Davis High, are the state's top school administrators.