Anytime changing the guard occurs, it's emotional. Mixed or otherwise, is immaterial. What's important is the very act itself becomes poignant. That's happening now in the heart of the Portage Lakes. After eight years serving as principal of Nolley Elementary School, Dennis L. Archey is trading his books for a tackle box.
Mr. Archey admits he'll miss the children and his colleagues most.
“This school has some of the best kids I've ever met,” said the Akron native. “The staff I have is phenomenal. I could not have asked for better colleagues. It's been a great experience.”
A look back at Mr. Archey’s career
The well-liked administrator was part of the first graduating class at Firestone High School. After receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Elementary Administration from the University of Akron, Mr. Archey began his career with a four year stint teaching sixth grade at East Elementary in Logan, Ohio before becoming the principal of Cottage Grove Elementary in the Portage Lakes.
In 1978 Mr. Archey answered the nation's call spending the next 21 years as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. After retiring from the FBI, he recognized there was still that burning fire within to work with children and eight years ago he accepted the position at Nolley.
Loved and regarded
After sharing my experience of how children tend to shy away from school principals, I asked why the kids here at Nolley have such a high regard for him? Why they love him?
"I wish I could answer that," Mr. Archey began, "but that's a tough one." He chuckled and then he added, "I'm not sure, but perhaps it's because I've always tried being fair with them and they recognize that."
My wife, Peggy, who volunteers her time with the Walking Club, agreed.
“I've watched him with the kids and noticed how he always treats them with kindness and respect. He really likes the kids,” she said. “And that's something you can not fake.”
With more than 50 certified and classified employees under him, Mr. Archey recognizes that it's not just him who's responsible for achieving school accolades.
“There are so many who have been a part of this I can't begin to name them,” he said, “I'm grateful to everyone.”
Among others, he mentioned Joanne Eckert, who's considered by many to be an icon and for almost 30 years, taught Nolley's children and their children.
“Joanne Eckert was a great supporter of the PTA and was a great help with the transition,” Mr. Archey said. “Her knowledge of Nolley alone holds her in great esteem."
“Mr. Archey allowed me to come into the world's best school to volunteer and get a ‘kid fix,’” Eckert volunteered after a weekly art class which she and I attend. “He has encouraged me to continue my connection with the PTA,” she graciously added.
One of his most memorable moments at Nolley was receiving the Ohio State Board of Education's rating of "Excellent" after completing his first year as principal. Other memories include Mrs. Boyle's annual Christmas shows.
Looking at retirement
Dennis Archey admitted that much of his retired time could be spent away from the home he shares with his wife of 28 years, Nancy, in Sharon Center. His pastime as an angler has made him a fishing aficionado. Two to three times a week he can be found on his 18 foot pontoon boat fishing for crappies, blue gills and yellow perch in Luna Lake.
Walk into his office and his hobby is easily identified. There are fishing images, models and tackle here there and just about everywhere. But it’s on the shores of Luna Lake where he finds peace and tranquility and, in the process, often times discovers he recharged his batteries.
“There are no grandchildren - yet,” Mr. Archey said.
He and Nancy, a retired speech pathologist, have two daughters. Christine is 26 and is still on “the seven year college plan,” Dennis joked. His youngest, Karen, 24, has graduated and is currently employed by an art gallery. The Archeys share their home with two cats, Furball and Med.
Always thinking of the other person, Mr. Archey volunteered, “This is really a good community and it has good kids. I appreciate everyone's support during my tenure and I wish my successor as much success as I've had here - and even more.”
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