Favorite High School Principals

MU_was_not_so_hard · Aug 17, 2008

mike311gd said:

I actually thought about starting this thread last week.

And it's not that easy, Songbird. Richard Belding and George Feeny are close.

On one hand, Mr. Belding has more experience as a principal, doing the deed in Indiana and California. He was extremely active in his kids' lives, going to their pep rallies, providing motivational speeches in the locker rooms and even watching Kelly's baby brother, Billy. It takes a special principal -- "be sure to honor thy principal" -- to care so much for his students.

As for Feeny, few are smarter and more diligent. After spending nearly 30 years as a sixth-grade history teacher, most of which came in Philadelphia -- a haven for teenage violence -- Feeny easily took on the responsibilities of principal at the middle school. That's right: When his district needed someone, Feeny changed his path for the good of the school and the students. He was fair -- suspending Shawn, a beloved student -- and always looked out for the students' best interests. He was the strong voice of reason in the weak mind of Eric Matthews. What other principal would be that patient?

Richard Belding. That's who. He never once wrote Zack off; not once. Through all their struggles to get along and see eye to eye, Belding took a few deep breaths and patted Zack on the back. He knew Zack's father was in and out of his life -- business trips, not infidelity -- so he was firm, but sympathetic. When Zack broke his leg, Belding helped with his French and math homework. (It doesn't matter who broke Zack's legs.) He told Zack what potential he saw and how much respect he had in him. By the end of Zack's high school career, those two hugged, becoming friends. Belding wanted to let the others know how he really felt about them. That's something Feeny tried very hard to hide.

But he hid it for a very good reason. For all the time he spent with Cory, Shawn, Topanga and Eric -- he was Cory's kindergarten teacher, sixth-grade teacher, not to mention teacher all through high school and college -- Feeny drew a line between he and the gang. Business and pleasure do not mix. Those kids needed to know that, and it was Feeny who was going to teach them. And he did. Even though it pained him deeply. (My favorite television moment:
.)

So just pointing to my favorite show simply won't answer the question. You've got to think about all the elements. In my mind, if you add up all the intangibles -- and the fact that he doubled as a principal and a teacher in high school -- Mr. George Feeny is my choice. Dick is a close second.
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This might be the funniest thing written all week.
Take a bow, young man.

Songbird · Aug 17, 2008

Write-brained said:

mike311gd said:

I actually thought about starting this thread last week.

And it's not that easy, Songbird. Richard Belding and George Feeny are close.

On one hand, Mr. Belding has more experience as a principal, doing the deed in Indiana and California. He was extremely active in his kids' lives, going to their pep rallies, providing motivational speeches in the locker rooms and even watching Kelly's baby brother, Billy. It takes a special principal -- "be sure to honor thy principal" -- to care so much for his students.

As for Feeny, few are smarter and more diligent. After spending nearly 30 years as a sixth-grade history teacher, most of which came in Philadelphia -- a haven for teenage violence -- Feeny easily took on the responsibilities of principal at the middle school. That's right: When his district needed someone, Feeny changed his path for the good of the school and the students. He was fair -- suspending Shawn, a beloved student -- and always looked out for the students' best interests. He was the strong voice of reason in the weak mind of Eric Matthews. What other principal would be that patient?

Richard Belding. That's who. He never once wrote Zack off; not once. Through all their struggles to get along and see eye to eye, Belding took a few deep breaths and patted Zack on the back. He knew Zack's father was in and out of his life -- business trips, not infidelity -- so he was firm, but sympathetic. When Zack broke his leg, Belding helped with his French and math homework. (It doesn't matter who broke Zack's legs.) He told Zack what potential he saw and how much respect he had in him. By the end of Zack's high school career, those two hugged, becoming friends. Belding wanted to let the others know how he really felt about them. That's something Feeny tried very hard to hide.

But he hid it for a very good reason. For all the time he spent with Cory, Shawn, Topanga and Eric -- he was Cory's kindergarten teacher, sixth-grade teacher, not to mention teacher all through high school and college -- Feeny drew a line between he and the gang. Business and pleasure do not mix. Those kids needed to know that, and it was Feeny who was going to teach them. And he did. Even though it pained him deeply. (My favorite television moment:
.)

So just pointing to my favorite show simply won't answer the question. You've got to think about all the elements. In my mind, if you add up all the intangibles -- and the fact that he doubled as a principal and a teacher in high school -- Mr. George Feeny is my choice. Dick is a close second.
Click to expand...

i'm just speechless.
Click to expand...

Ditto. In a good way.

Mikey, you are a special guy. That could be the best dissertation (abbreviated as it may be) on TV principals ... maybe ever.

bostonbred · Aug 17, 2008

mike311gd said:

I actually thought about starting this thread last week.

And it's not that easy, Songbird. Richard Belding and George Feeny are close.

On one hand, Mr. Belding has more experience as a principal, doing the deed in Indiana and California. He was extremely active in his kids' lives, going to their pep rallies, providing motivational speeches in the locker rooms and even watching Kelly's baby brother, Billy. It takes a special principal -- "be sure to honor thy principal" -- to care so much for his students.

As for Feeny, few are smarter and more diligent. After spending nearly 30 years as a sixth-grade history teacher, most of which came in Philadelphia -- a haven for teenage violence -- Feeny easily took on the responsibilities of principal at the middle school. That's right: When his district needed someone, Feeny changed his path for the good of the school and the students. He was fair -- suspending Shawn, a beloved student -- and always looked out for the students' best interests. He was the strong voice of reason in the weak mind of Eric Matthews. What other principal would be that patient?

Richard Belding. That's who. He never once wrote Zack off; not once. Through all their struggles to get along and see eye to eye, Belding took a few deep breaths and patted Zack on the back. He knew Zack's father was in and out of his life -- business trips, not infidelity -- so he was firm, but sympathetic. When Zack broke his leg, Belding helped with his French and math homework. (It doesn't matter who broke Zack's legs.) He told Zack what potential he saw and how much respect he had in him. By the end of Zack's high school career, those two hugged, becoming friends. Belding wanted to let the others know how he really felt about them. That's something Feeny tried very hard to hide.

But he hid it for a very good reason. For all the time he spent with Cory, Shawn, Topanga and Eric -- he was Cory's kindergarten teacher, sixth-grade teacher, not to mention teacher all through high school and college -- Feeny drew a line between he and the gang. Business and pleasure do not mix. Those kids needed to know that, and it was Feeny who was going to teach them. And he did. Even though it pained him deeply. (My favorite television moment:
.)

So just pointing to my favorite show simply won't answer the question. You've got to think about all the elements. In my mind, if you add up all the intangibles -- and the fact that he doubled as a principal and a teacher in high school -- Mr. George Feeny is my choice. Dick is a close second.
Click to expand...

Fucking brilliant mikey.

Grew up watching both shows and I agree that Feeny takes it. Except I don't think it's even close.

slappy4428 · Aug 17, 2008

Back from the world of shitty 1990 sitcoms... I would offer BeBe Neuwirth in the movie "The Faculty." An understated flick and great gams on the teacher.

Songbird · Dec 15, 2014

Beavis and Butthead would like to chime in for a minute ...

BYH · Aug 17, 2008

I cannot believe Mikey's never had sex.

mike311gd · Aug 17, 2008

Thanks for the words, guys. Except you, BYH.

Don't you have laundry and dishes to do?

mpcincal · Aug 17, 2008

As a child of the '70s and '80s, I have to throw in Mr. Woodman from "Welcome Back Kotter."

BYH · Dec 15, 2014

Songbird said:

Beavis and Butthead would like to chime in for a minute ...

Click to expand...

uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...you two...have never apologized...for anything! Here have some candy!

mike311gd · Aug 17, 2008

Speaking of candy, Ned Flanders is the worst principal -- or at least in the running. That school was even more of a mess than usual. And prayer in the school? Oh, brother.

BYH · Aug 17, 2008

mike311gd said:

Thanks for the words, guys. Except you, BYH.

Don't you have laundry and dishes to do?
Click to expand...

I hired a helper monkey.

mike311gd · Aug 17, 2008

Is he potty trained?

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