Principal of four years heads back to U.S.

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kaleb Snay
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  After spending 25 years working at overseas locations, Scott Sterry, Cummings Elementary School principal, has decided to step down as principal at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 14, 2012 and return back to the states.

A farewell luncheon was held for Sterry at Cummings to celebrate his four years as principal of Cummings Elementary.

Sterry is upset about leaving Cummings Elementary, but feels that after 25 years it's time to go back and spend time with family.

"I'm terribly sad about it, this is a great place to be," said Sterry. "Probably the most exciting aspect of being a principal is watching children's growth from day one until we release them at the end of the school year."

Sterry's last day as principal of Cummings Elementary is June 22, 2012, then he will then be going to Fort Benning, Ga., to work at Stowers Elementary. Kathleen Smith, Grafenwoehr Netzaberg Elementary assistant principal, will replace him as principal.

"I am very excited about coming to Misawa. I have heard wonderful things about the community and the school and I look forward to joining such a committed team," said Smith.
Sterry hopes that the Misawa Air Base community welcomes the new principal and supports her as much as they have for him.

"I think she will be great for this school and she will take the school to even greater levels of educational accomplishment," said Sterry.

Leaving the school in the hands of the new principal, Sterry finishes with one statement.

"I will miss this community very much," Sterry said. "The children, families and everything about it has made it a fantastic place to work."