For Principal Johnson, at least, as he bids farewell to storied Hastings career!

By Bruce Karnick

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As of February 24,2022,18-year Hastings High School Principal Mike Johnson is retired. On his last day, his family joined him for an emotional after-school event that was scheduled to take around 20 minutes. The event kicked off with Johnson and his family doing the “Raider Walk” he created. Students and Staff lined the commons as the Johnson family walked through, giving high fives and waves. At the end of the gauntlet of people was the start of the ice cream social and a presentation.

Interim Principal Scott Doran gave a brief introduction and teacher Amy Childers presented Johnson with a gift from the staff.

After speaking about the impact that Mr. Johnson had on the students and staff, Johnson took the microphone.

Johnson spoke about a lot of topics, from the fun side of dealing with the students to

See RETIRED, Page 2

Photo by Bruce Karnick the pride he had in the staff at Hastings High. He talked about the nearly 2 million lessons the staff has taught in his tenure as principal and just how special the Hastings community is.

His last day came on the first day that the mask mandate in the school was lifted by the school board. He talked about that.

“There is just a different feel today. Students are ready to be done and just take things back in such a positive way,” he said.

He continued explaining the kids are ready to celebrate and ready to get back to normal. The students are ready to be empowered.

“It’s time to trust them and just get out of their way,” said Johnson.

He then read a card that he was given by a student that day: “Thank you principal Johnson. You have been an incredible principal. We’ve been so blessed with the years you have spent at Hastings High School. You make our school such a welcoming and friendly place. You show kindness to every student you encounter and in everything you do. You’re a true servant and we cannot thank you enough for all you have done and will do. I know you would do anything for your students and that is what makes you such an amazing principal. Thank you for making my years here better. I hope you know how much you are appreciated and loved by all the students, especially the seniors. Your smile has lit the halls of Hastings High School and will be missed.”

Johnson spoke on the issues present at the school boardm including the most recent issue with the book sale.

“What’s happening to Hastings? Do I really want to raise a family in here?” Johnson said in the middle of his talk. “Yes, YES, YES you want to raise a family in Hastings. There have been school board issues for years and years and years and there will be school board issues for years and years and years. We’re going through some growing pains, but this school and community is built on bedrock. I do honestly believe this is the best school around.”

Johnson spent a good portion thanking the staff in attendance and encouraging them to continue being part of that bedrock of Hastings. He recognized those that helped him along the way and repeatedly said how he would not have been able to do his job if it were not for his wife.

After all the laughter, tears and chatter settled down and Mr. Johnson turned off the microphone, he was done. His tenure as Hastings High School Principal was officially over. He told the Hastings Journal in a brief interview afterward, “I’m done… I can’t believe it, but I’m done.”

What was foremost on his mind as the school day wrapped up?

“I’m thinking that I've been one of the most blessed people around with my family and with being able to serve as principal. What a privilege it is to serve as principal of a high school. I just I love this community and have been honored to serve and it's very, very humbling.”

It’s been an honor having you at Hastings High, Mr. Johnson, enjoy your retirement!

Photo by Bruce Karnick

Photo by Bruce Karnick

Principal Mike Johnson and his family do the Raider Walk that he created. This walk is to remind people that once a Raider, always a Raider.

Teacher Amy Childers presents retiring principal Mike Johnson with a gift from the staff on his last day.