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From President to Principal
MHCC President John Sygielski travels to Sandy High School for President for a Day
The Advocate
MHCC President John Sygielski went from college president to the principal of Sandy High School (SHS) Wednesday as he participated in the Oregon Trail School District Principal for a Day event.
Julia Monteith, SHS communications and grants director, said the district invited Sygielski after he showed an “interest in developing increased partnerships with our district.”
Sygielski observed classes at the high school, talking with SHS Principal Brian Heinze.
“I engaged some of the faculty and counselors in discussions on how Mt. Hood Community College could enhance its partnership opportunities,” Sygielski said. “I participated in a lunch period with the freshmen. I listened to students talk about their fundraising efforts for Doernbecher Children's Hospital.”
Heinze said, “We were able to collaborate on issues that administrators face on a day-to-day basis and listen to each other to learn about various solutions to conflicts and issues.
“John and I shared ideas and experiences that gave me further insight into understanding the dynamics of our positions and how to forge relationships. I enjoyed our dialogue and the brief but meaningful camaraderie.”
One class Sygielski spoke to was SHS's Leadership class. Sygielski talked to the students about their college plans and about programs MHCC offered.
“(I wanted) to learn more about Sandy High School and the Oregon Trail School District and hear from students,” Sygielski said. He said he wanted to know why students “would or would not consider Mt. Hood Community College for their college experience.” Sygielski said meeting with students was his favorite part of the day.
“I was starting to question (going to MHCC),” Leadership student Vanessa Swenson said, “and then the president came and seemed very friendly and enthusiastic.”
Student Dalton Bixby said, “It's good to know it's (MHCC) there as an option. He (Sygielski) seemed cool, really energetic.”
Heinze said he enjoyed “talking about real world situations and addressing ways to increase the number of students going on to post-secondary education. I enjoyed the professionalism of Mr. Sygielski.”
Both Heinze and Monteith expressed an interest in further developing relations with the college. Heinze said, “Sandy High School wants to work, build and maintain a vibrant relationship with MHCC to help propel our students to the next level.”