By Kirsten Buys
C & G Staff Writer

FARMINGTON HILLS — When North Farmington High School Principal Rick Jones learned he was named Principal of the Year, he was happy to keep it quiet as requested.

But the word got out — in a big way — after the news traveled to presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, who announced it to the world during his appearance at the school Sept. 8.

The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals called Jones and Superintendent Sue Zurvalec earlier that day to inform them of the award, and Zurvalec announced it to about 12 people in Jones’ office before Obama appeared at the town hall-style event. One of the Secret Service Agents who had been at the school all week found out, and radioed Obama’s approaching motorcade. One of Obama’s first statements that night was announcing the award.

“Had I not known, I would have thought that was his shtick,” Jones said. “I don’t think anybody really picked up on it. A handful of people asked later and I said, ‘Yeah, that was a real announcement.’ It’s kind of humbling – the whole thing.”

A few parents began the nomination process almost two years ago and approached Jones, who asked them not to go forward with the application.

“I said ‘No, I’m not interested. Don’t do that,’” Jones said. “It’s not about me. It’s not about any one person. It’s about the school, the kids and the staff.”

The parents went over Jones’ head to his mentor, former Bloomfield Hills Superintendent Robert Docking, who called him and convinced him to accept the nomination.

“Bob called and said ‘You will do this — this is not about you, it’s about your school and about your community and you will do this,’” Jones said.

Jones has been an educator for 36 years, and has been at North Farmington High School for 22 years, first as an English teacher and football and tennis coach before becoming principal 10 years ago. He credits his family, his support staff and exceptional students for his successes.

“When everything is said and done, it just goes back to the kids and families and your teachers,” Jones said. “People you work with for your entire career. Families you get to know who have multiple kids who go through and who become your friends.

“I don’t know how you put a value on that. For me, that’s what it’s always been – creating those relationships and creating an environment at school where kids can thrive. Kids at North succeed in spite of us, not because of us.”

Jones has helped to create an award-winning interdisciplinary studies program at the school that has included year-long intensive studies on genocide, the 1960s, “Our Town Detroit” and this year’s focus on going green. Student government has changed to one where any student can participate and needn’t be elected. Certain clubs and groups, such as cheerleading, have been expanded to include more students.

“We sell the idea that we can be good at everything,” Jones said. “We can be good in art, in athletics, in academics. We try to celebrate those things equally.”

Mathematics Chair Michael Horner was one of those who offered the MASSP a letter of support for Jones’ nomination. In it he said the school resembles a “mini United Nations,” which could be difficult for some schools, but is a strength at North Farmington.

“Rick has delivered a consistent message of tolerance, unity and caring,” Horner wrote. “He expects us to treat each other with dignity and respect. He is fond of saying that we should ‘go hard on the problem and easy on people.’ That is his way of telling us to solve problems together without animosity or anger.”

Zurvalec said Jones is a great asset to the students, staff and community.

“We are so proud that Rick Jones was chosen for this honor,” she said. “Rick epitomizes what a principal should be — an outstanding leader, mentor, coach and, above all else, a teacher of teachers.”

While Jones refuses to take full credit for his accomplishments and the award, which is represented by a small glass plaque, he said learning of the award did make him feel good.

“I have to admit — I kind of cheered up,” he said. “I don’t think anyone goes into education because they think there are going to be any awards.”

Jones, who was in the fourth graduating class at NFHS, said he decided to be a teacher when he was in 10th-grade at the school.

“It’s all I really wanted to do with my life was teach,” he said. “So, I really owe this community with my life’s work — it’s because of the impact they made on me here.”

You can reach Staff Writer Kirsten Buys at kbuys@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1030.