The move had been especially difficult, as moves often are. It was the summer of 2007, and the long year of separation and commuting between the apartment in New Hampshire and the little farm in Missouri was ending. Debby and Matt were finally moving into our new home in Concord, New Hampshire.
That move was especially traumatic for Matt, who was leaving his friends at California Middle School to attend Concord High School, a larger school with some 1700 students. The move involved much more than traversing the 1300 miles between California and Concord. It was about the loss of many friends and a major cultural shift. We did not fully realize the impact the move was having on Matt--but an astute and caring principal did.
Gene Connolly, the Principal of Concord High School, recognized and welcomed his all his students--including Matt Schulte. He saw the shyness and sadness. He took the time to befriend Matt, joking with him and inviting him to lunch often in the Principal's Office. Matt called him "Chief Connolly" and cherished the bond of that friendship. In 2011, when Matt graduated from Concord High School, he stood in the football stadium before his peers and introduced the class song, "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey. Matt had found his place. He was at home. Chief Connolly's friendship and care had transformed a life--and many others along the way.
In 2014, the news that Mr. Connolly had ALS came as a great shock. Yet, Chief Connolly persisted in doing what he always did. He welcomed students and helped them grow. He took an interest in each one--including the shy and sad ones. Matt and Mrs. Arnold, a teacher and good friend, would visit Chief Connolly graduation. Matt looked forward to those visits. As we prepared to move again, from Concord to Washington, last summer, Matt and Mrs. Arnold went to the Chief's home to say goodbye. I imagine it was a kind of blessing one another on their way.
On August 20, the news arrived in a text message: Gene Connolly had died. There have been so many notable deaths in the past month--Aretha Franklin, John McCain, Burt Reynolds. The stars are falling from our sky, but none of those shone brighter than that of Chief Connolly. He was an educator, administrator, and a good friend of so many--including Matt Schulte. Would that more of us would share his kind of love and courage! I think it would be the world as God intends it to be.
So, rest in Christ's peace, Chief Connolly! Well done! Well done!! Well done!!! And, thank you from this grateful parent.
That move was especially traumatic for Matt, who was leaving his friends at California Middle School to attend Concord High School, a larger school with some 1700 students. The move involved much more than traversing the 1300 miles between California and Concord. It was about the loss of many friends and a major cultural shift. We did not fully realize the impact the move was having on Matt--but an astute and caring principal did.
Gene Connolly, the Principal of Concord High School, recognized and welcomed his all his students--including Matt Schulte. He saw the shyness and sadness. He took the time to befriend Matt, joking with him and inviting him to lunch often in the Principal's Office. Matt called him "Chief Connolly" and cherished the bond of that friendship. In 2011, when Matt graduated from Concord High School, he stood in the football stadium before his peers and introduced the class song, "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey. Matt had found his place. He was at home. Chief Connolly's friendship and care had transformed a life--and many others along the way.
In 2014, the news that Mr. Connolly had ALS came as a great shock. Yet, Chief Connolly persisted in doing what he always did. He welcomed students and helped them grow. He took an interest in each one--including the shy and sad ones. Matt and Mrs. Arnold, a teacher and good friend, would visit Chief Connolly graduation. Matt looked forward to those visits. As we prepared to move again, from Concord to Washington, last summer, Matt and Mrs. Arnold went to the Chief's home to say goodbye. I imagine it was a kind of blessing one another on their way.
On August 20, the news arrived in a text message: Gene Connolly had died. There have been so many notable deaths in the past month--Aretha Franklin, John McCain, Burt Reynolds. The stars are falling from our sky, but none of those shone brighter than that of Chief Connolly. He was an educator, administrator, and a good friend of so many--including Matt Schulte. Would that more of us would share his kind of love and courage! I think it would be the world as God intends it to be.
So, rest in Christ's peace, Chief Connolly! Well done! Well done!! Well done!!! And, thank you from this grateful parent.
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