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Grace Baldwin

Guest Columnist

If you’ve walked through the doors of Belfry High School or sat in the stands of CAM Stadium in the last 42 years, you’re more than likely acquainted with Mr. John Hunt. Whether you see him in his suit and tie, or Belfry polo and kakis, he is certainly a familiar face throughout the Pond Creek Nation. Further than that, he has been a long time figure in the school, touching many lives in the process.

Mr. Hunt began his career at BHS in 1969 as an English teacher, and has been a major part of Pirate life ever since. He switched roles from teacher to Assistant Principal nearly fifteen years ago. In doing so, he has worked alongside the last two Main Principals: Mr. Frank Welch and Mr. Rod Varney. Aside from his professional position, he has dedicated his time to the school and community by playing drums in the popular local band “The Jaguars”, attending many Pirate athletic events, and being the announcer for our graduation ceremonies. He has made major contributions to some of the most important events hosted in our school throughout the years.

Recently, Mr. Hunt has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In response to this unfortunate event: the students, faculty and staff have joined together and decided to wear purple (the color associated with pancreatic cancer awareness) one day a week for the entire month of November. Faculty members all ordered Team John shirts displaying a drum set, purple ribbon, and the words Belfry High. The things on this shirt represent things that are very important to him. Likewise, the support the shirt represents is important to the individuals wearing them. Many of the faculty members at Belfry would tell you that they don’t just see him as a co-worker, but also a close friend. .

On behalf of myself, the student body and faculty we want to wish Mr. Hunt well, with a timely recovery. Also, we would like to thank him for his impressive history of dedication and service to our school and community. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he continues to battle cancer. In the mist of hard times comes opportunity, and we would like to take this opportunity to recognize not only a principal or co-worker, but someone who makes a difference. Not every school is lucky enough to have Administration that truly cares about the school they supervise. As Pirates, we have that privilege and are grateful to the people like Mr. Hunt who raise the bar and give surrounding schools yet another reason to strive to be like Belfry.