As assistant principal Aaron Harris watches seniors walk across the stage to receive their diplomas each May, he feels a sense pride.

“The most rewarding moment of my career happens each year during commencement exercises when I see that one or two students whom I know overcame tremendous hardships and obstacles in their lives and persevered to get their diploma,” said Mr. Harris. “I am proud of all the seniors who walk across that stage and I realize they have worked very hard to earn their diploma, but I am most proud of those that could have quit, and didn’t.”

This May 19 will be Mr. Harris’ last time to experience the ceremony from the stage. At the end of this school year, he will retire after 36 years in the educational system. His career began at Woodland Junior High in Fayetteville as an eighth grade earth science teacher while also coaching football, basketball, and track.

After Woodland, Mr.Harris went to Ramay Junior High, also in the Fayetteville district, where he was the head football coach and taught career orientation, health and P.E. His administrative career is diverse, as he was the principal at Shiloh Christian School and Southwest Junior High and assistant principal at Central Junior High, Springdale High School, and Har-Ber High School.

During his years of administration, Mr.Harris also served as principal and mentor to current teachers.

“He was my principal at SHS,” said English teacher Jessica Shelton. “As long as I’ve known him, he has been an administrator, even when I wasn’t a teacher.”

“He was my principal at Southwest,” said math teacher Nancy Fuller. “I’ve known him for a long time. I hate to see him go, but I understand seeing as I’m retiring too.”

Even though he is not her high school principal anymore, one teacher still gets nervous walking into his office.

“It was a little weird working with him,” said Mrs. Shelton. “The idea of getting called to his office still gets my hands sweaty.”

Mr. Harris started thinking about his retirement three years ago when Mr. Edmonson retired.

“A person just knows when it is time to retire,” said Mr. Harris. “I really can’t explain it. It’s just time to move on with some things I’ve always wanted to do.”

After the contract is up in June, Mr. Harris’ retirement will be official. He plans to work a couple days a week driving a Walmart truck and will spend his free time playing golf, riding his motorcycle, and working around the house.

“I will remain in Springdale, so be sure and say hello when you see me,” said Mr. Harris.

Senior Alexa Harris, his daughter, is also very happy that her father is getting to retire.

“I’m happy that he will get to see me graduate and get to play golf instead of work all day,” said Harris.

Mr. Harris has mixed feelings about his last year and leaving his coworkers.

“It’s bittersweet,” said Mr. Harris. “I’m excited to try something new, but I’m sad about leaving work friends that I have grown to love and respect.”