the
LITTLEHAWK City High School 1900 morningside drive, iowa city, iowa 52240 issue six
volume sixty-six - www.thelittlehawk.com
Bacon
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FORMER LEMME STUDENTS
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no longer vegetarian
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by davisvonk
ohn Bacon’s infallible enthusiasm: It’s what everyone has heard about. Just listening to his speech he emits an electrical current of genuineness as he rapidly spurts out his greetings. His black suit says authority; the small stain on his neatly tied tie says, “I’m just human.” The current Lemme principal will be returning to his own beloved high school this fall to replace the respected Mark Hanson after his resignation earlier this year. Despite many protests from parents and students, the school board accepted his resignation in February leaving the details of his departure undisclosed. “It’s unfortunate when you can’t leave on your own terms,” Terry Coleman said. “But he has nothing to hang his head about. He’s done an incredible job.” Bacon readily agrees. He has watched Hanson’s work from his Lemme desk, holding him in the utmost regard as a leader of the distinguished high school.
“I have tremendous respect for Mr. Hanson,” Bacon said. “He’s an incredible human being. He’s led City High through many changes and has done an excellent job.” Setting his sails for new waters as the new principal in Ottumwa, he leaves his big wooden desk warm for the passion-driven Bacon. “It’s unbelievable,” said Bacon. “It’s an incredible opportunity. I’ve always felt the only place I’d leave Lemme for is City High. I love Iowa City.” Growing up right down the road from Lemme, the new principal is a native Lemme Leopard as well as a Little Hawk. This guy loves, lives and breathes City High. His adoration is evident as his eyes light up in explanation. “City is incredibly representative of Iowa City –the best place on the planet,” he said. “It’s a mosaic representation of the rich and beautiful community we live in. I’m going to put my whole heart into this.” And he means it. His emotional tone, accompanied by the slight increase in pace, leads him into illustrating a picture of what his significant City experience had once been. “When I was a student at City High we bought into the ‘everything had one thing in
common,’” Bacon said. “There was extreme harmony between social groups. My experience at City High has shaped who I am today. The experience is knowing that you are part of something great, something even bigger than you.” A former Little Hawk staff writer, the paper sparked his confidence and attributed to his remarkable school spirit. “Junior High was the first time that I think I realized that I was not one of the really smart people,” he said. “You know there’s Pre-Algebra, Algebra and I was just in Math 7. When I joined paper [at City] I had Jack Kennedy as an advisor and it was one of those moments [with him] that shape your entire life. He put an A+ on my very first article with all these little positive comments. He gave me the confidence that I was a good writer and I haven’t doubted myself since.” At City High, Bacon grabbed at every opportunity that flew his way. He enveloped himself within the school, becoming a true part of “The School that Leads.” Having had both Bruce Wilson and Tom Yates as inspiring teachers, Bacon believes he is honored to serve such a wonderfully dedicated staff. “What I remember about John is he had a
very positive outlook on life,” said Bruce Wilson. “He enjoyed being part of the atmosphere and was always willing to lend a hand. I don’t feel awkward at all [about my boss being a former student]. I’m excited for the school and John Bacon.” His experiences at City High shaped his magnetic character. He hopes to empower students to experience the same kind of connection he felt as a student. “City High is an academic powerhouse and can provide a world-class education for its students,” said Bacon. “The first thing I want to do is build strong relationships. I want to be highly visible and accessible to both the students and staff. I want everyone to feel important, valued and that they belong-a family type atmosphere. You have to get people to believe they are a part of something very special.” The charisma is there, the energy present, the drive visibly existent. Saying goodbye to Hanson is unimaginable for his beloved students, but most agree Bacon’s sensational presence will fill his shoes while he touches the lives of the citizens in Ottumwa.