Central High School - Brecky Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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.Med our rilzctioa HELEN Daz '40 HAKILY, and with doubt as to the outcome of the enterprise, yourinterviewer accepted the assignment of getting for this magazine any accessible- information about Central's digni- fied principal, who, we had heard from perhaps disreputahle but nevertheless convincing sources, had no sense of humor nor any pity for well-- meaning but scared students like ourselves. .lust as soon as one steps over the threshold of his office, however, one's fears are calmed. One finds that he is dignified, to be sure, but in a kindly, understanding way. and that he is one of those rare persons with a really subtle sense of humor, one which does not flashily show itself on the surface. 'When we had gathered our wits and were con- vinced by his sincere courtesy that there was nothing of which to be afraid. the interview proper was begun. XVe discovered that Mr. Hoover was born on a farm near Harrisville. VVest V irginia, where he spent his early childhood. He began teaching at the age of seventeen, when he received the tremendous salary of S25 a month for five months. Later on, in other elementary schools. he taught for seven terms: he continued his school work as principal of elementary schools for three years and as principal of the Grant District High School of Cairo, West V irginia, for three more. His higher education has been obtained from several colleges. l He was graduated from Marshall State Normal in Huntington. XV est V irycginia, and got the coveted Phi Beta Kappa key from the University .of VVest Virninia. He earned his Master's degree at George Wasliinqton University, after he came to VVashington to accept a position in the Department of Agriculture. His son. Lawrence G. Hoover, Ir., was once one of Central's prominent students. He was the sports editor of the Bulletin in i934 and was active in dramatics. He was also a member of the Arc. but his journalistic work was, and still is. his greatest interest: heis now editing the Prince Georges Post. He was graduated from Maryland University, where he was editor of the Diamond- I-crlr the college newspaper. Tas Rmviiav U61 Mr. Hoover's daughter, Muriel, who is now teaching at Paul Junior High School, was an as- sociate editor of the Bulletin, she graduated from Central in 1932 and will receive her Master's de- gree at the University of Wisconsin next year. When Mr. Hoover first came to Central, he was assigned to teach biology and chemistry. At the end of six years he became assistant principal. After seven years in that capacity, he was ap- pointed principal, in which position he has served for four years. 1 '- As is always true of a ,busy man, Mr. Hoover does not have very much time to devote to hobbies, but into his spare moments he manages to crowd reading of biography, history, and fiction, and a little gardening. . In answer to a question concerning his favorite type of work, Mr. Hoover admits that he enjoys classroom teaching, preferably biology, because he likes the personal contact with the students. The most distasteful part of his work as principal is disciplining unruly students. So. gentle readers, let us try to make his work as pleasant as possi- ble for him-and for ourselves! When our interview was over and we had time to look back upon it, we realized what a privilege had been granted us in this opportunity to meet. Mr. Hoover under such favorable circumstances. VVe know now that Central is under the supervi- sion of a man who understands us and our prob- lems., He made us feel that he is interested in the welfare of each and every student. We under- stood that he puts us Centralites on our own re- sponsibility, with as many privileges and as few restrictions as possible, because he hopes that we will thereby gain independence of thought and action. i A ' , We wish that all of Central's students might have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hoover, in order that they might be able to understand 'him as he understands them. Could they do so, we are sure they would join the members of THE REVIEW staff in wishing that he may have many more suc- cessful years as the principal of our fine old school.

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