DATE: Friday, July 18, 1997                 TAG: 9707160124

SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER      PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY SUSAN W. SMITH, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   77 lines

NO AVERAGE JOE, HE LEAVES A MARK WHEREVER HE GOES

William O. Joe could not help but shed a tear as he packed up his possessions and cleared out his desk. As assistant principal at Deep Creek High School, he had not expected to leave. Some said Deep Creek High Principal Nathan T. Hardee, also had tears in his eyes as he watched his colleague pack.

For seven years, Joe had counseled students, met with parents and faculty members, coordinated Hornet activities and conferred with Hardee, his mentor.

He said his friends and fellow administrators at Deep Creek were such a close team they even met everyday to discuss school news and solve world problems over their lunch trays.

``But the farewells and good-bye hugs were balanced with a sense of adventure, the thrill of an unexpected challenge and the excitement of a new opportunity,'' said Joe, who unpacked his boxes at the Center for Science and Technology on Cedar Road where he is now the new principal.

By the third day behind his new desk, Joe said he received a smiley face on some of his paperwork from Anna Baker, an administrative assistant, to let him know he was doing a good job.

But Hardee said the Center hasn't had time to see the real Joe in action.

``He's just top of the line,'' Hardee said. ``Joe has been an outstanding asset at Deep Creek, and now he'll make a strong impact at the Center. Joe is an easy going and mild mannered person who brings out the best in students and in staff. He pushes for quality performance, and he knows when to step back and listen.''

Education is a second career for the new principal. The Norfolk native and Norfolk State University graduate worked in municipal government before deciding to make a change. He said his background, the support of his parents and the desire to work with young people influenced him to add a teaching certificate to his business degree.

``In growing up, my parents had some very specific rules,'' Joe said. ``We were expected to finish high school and either go to work or go to college. And every Sunday, we went to church as a family.''

In raising four children, his parents established guidelines and reinforced the ones set by his teachers. Some of the rules were simple, such as his mother's admonishment to always wear a crisp white shirt and polished shoes when dressing up. And those rules are followed to this day, he said, as he looked down at his starched shirt and very shiny shoes.

``We were taught to do a job right and to always turn in our very best effort whether it was in school, sports, chores or work.'' he said. ``Now, I try to pass the same philosophy along to students.''

He started his work with high school students as a substitute teacher at Great Bridge High School in 1982. The assistant principal Shirley Cahoon, offered him guidance and tips, and referred him to Deep Creek High School when there was an opening for a long-term substitute teacher.

Hardee, like Cahoon, was impressed with Joe's commitment and concern of high school students. Later, when there was a full-time teaching position available at Western Branch High School, Hardee recommended Joe.

At Western Branch, in addition to teaching, Joe was also senior class sponsor and director of student activities. He also found time to earn a master's degree in education from Norfolk State.

Seven years later, Hardee remembered Joe's dedication and quiet influence, and called him back to Deep Creek as an assistant principal.

``Now, it's time for him to grow and go again,'' said Hardee. ``And I expect he will make an incredible mark.''

Although Joe has only been at the Center for a few weeks, he already has plans. Some of his goals are to increase the enrollment, to encourage more community involvement, and to expand present courses and to introduce new ones.

Also, continuing his parents entrenched rules, he plans to stress hard work, good values and pride in a job well-done.

``And I want to invite students, parents and community members to come visit and to see what we are all about,'' he said. ``I want my door to swing on the hinges of welcome.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MORT FRYMAN

Former Assistant Principal at Deep Creek High School, William O.

Joe, the new principal for the Center for Science and Technology is

going to invite students, parents and community members to come

visit the center. ``I want my door to swing on the hinges of

welcome, '' he said.

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