Mr. Jim Thimons

Although, Mr. Jim Thimons has received quite a few personal awards, including three state awards of recognition for excellence in education. One not would discover these, however, without scrutinizing the wall of his office. His conversation, instead, is filled with the accomplishments of others and an overwhelming gratitude for those with whom he works. Describing what makes his school unique, he praises the students, the teachers, as well as the parents of Apollo-Ridge.

Having been the principal for Apollo-Ridge High School for the past five years, Jim speaks of how proud he is of the wonderful students. "They are good young men and women. The vast majority of the students are getting As or perfect attendance, doing all kinds of community service projects, taking college level courses, and volunteering at their churches."

As an example of the students' outstanding character, Jim describes two of the programs the kids provide. The first is a Christmas Luncheon for area senior citizens. After enjoying a band and choral concert put on by Don Varola's students and Bill Duff's chorus, the senior citizens are served a delicious lunch by the student council. Jim adds that several teachers, Bea Blystone, Donna Ratigan, Karen Scrupa, and Margaret Hrabrovsky buy materials and work with the students to make favors for each guest. The second example is a program initiated by students to help their peers, called Project Home. Jim explains, "The students wanted to make themselves available to younger or new students that may be having a hard time…to say, 'Hey, we're somebeody that you can talk to.'" The kids along with faculty advisor, Bruce Elder, presented the idea to the school board, and the project is now underway. In addition, every Friday another group of students stock shelves at the community food bank. Jim notes that these are just a few ways the students are volunteering their time "above and beyond the everyday hectic responsibilities of going to school." Along with the students, Jim's expresses over and over a sincere admiration of his staff. "I have is very hard working, professional, and caring staff. They are top notch." When discussing the effectiveness of the block schedule and the numerous student programs, Jim credits the staff. "Any changes that were made were a result of good teacher organization. They see the kids every day. They know what the needs are. I feel that it's my job as a principal to be here to support them."

"With great honor and appreciation, Jim commends a final group, the parents. "We have awesome parents. They are very supportive." He particularly conveys gratitude for the booster organizations working to provide for the kids. "What they do is unbelievable! They're like the unsung heroes. You can come here any night of the week, and there's a booster organization out there in the cafeteria." Jim goes on to say, "Those are the things that show students cooperation and hard work. The students here know that their parents are backing them, that the school district and sponsors are backing them, because everybody works together."

It's easy to see how much Jim genuinely enjoys his students. "The best part of my job is being around the excitement of the kids… Watching them in class, interacting with them in the hallways, going to their athletic programs, musicals, and concerts, …watching them get excited about the prom;" explains Jim, "they keep you young."

Jim received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He completed his graduate and administrative studies for both elementary and secondary principal certifications at IUP as well. Then, while teaching at Highlands High School he coached football and track. Next, Jim taught at Freeport Area High School, where he also sponsored a very active SADD Program. In 1996 he became the principal of the Redbank Valley Jr./Sr. High School. He feels that the greatest compliment to his career was being asked by Mrs. Ridge to serve as a resource person at Governor Ridge's Community Partnership for Safe Children.

It's easy to see how much Jim genuinely enjoys his students. "The best part of my job is being around the excitement of the kids… Watching them in class, interacting with them in the hallways, going to their athletic programs, musicals, and concerts, …watching them get excited about the prom;" explains Jim, "they keep you young." When he's not attending a school activity, Jim spends any spare time with his family. His wife, Carla, and son, Logan often go to school functions with him. Jim shares, "My son, Logan, is usually here with me at the programs and musicals. Since he has done this from the time he was a baby, he really enjoys it now."

Everything Jim Thimons says denotes his deep gratitude for each individual in the district. He concludes by saying, "This is a very collaborative community. I'm thankful for the people around me."