High School principal gets kudos from county

A longtime educator in the Madison District was recognized for his long-standing status as a positive influence.

A longtime educator in the Madison School District was recognized recently for his long-standing status as a positive influence on the students he oversees.

William J. Fisher, principal at Madison High School, on Monday accepted the John J. Weiss Lake County Administrator of the Year Award from the Lake County Educational Service Center, which recognizes an individual who demonstrates the characteristics of John J. Weiss, a former Riverside teacher and administrator, and the Director of The Lake Academy, the LCESC reports on its web site.

Madison Schools’ Superintendent Angela Smith typed in an e-mail exchange Aug. 15 that Fisher was nominated as a result of his tireless commitment to the students with whom he works day in and day out.

“We nominated Mr. Fisher, because he shared the tireless dedication to his students that John Weiss did,” Smith writes. “He is not about awards for himself, but is always willing to celebrate his students.”

She further elaborated on Fisher’s character.

“The recognition is well deserved as he has been a leader in the county for over 21 years and his impact on the profession is immense,” Smith said.

Fisher’s own response to the award was surprise.

“It was truly a very humbling experience for myself in front of all my colleagues,” Fisher said. “I was not only shocked when my name was announced, but I didn’t in the least see it coming my way as I was totally caught off-guard.”

He said he’s especially humbled, having known the award’s namesake.

“I was fortunate to know John Weiss while he was principal at Riverside High School in my early years as principal at Madison High School during the late 90s,” Fisher said. “I have always viewed John as a mentor and admired his ability, passion, and commitment in creating the Lake Academy Alternative School. To be honored by my peers for this type of award, is gratifying for myself, as I hope that it means that I have also demonstrated some of those same characteristics that I admired in John.”

Fisher shared that his secret to his longevity as he starts his 22nd year as principal.

“What continues to motivate me are the students that we have here at Madison High School,” he said. “I want them to have a positive high school experience and to see them leave us as fine young men and women after four years to pursue their own goals and dreams.”

The Lake County Educational Service Center presents this award annually since 2011 to a Lake County administrator who exhibits the characteristics that John Weiss exhibited through his 47-year career in education. Among those qualities are compassion, thoughtfulness and an exceptional concern for all students; a steady demeanor and a tireless dedication to students, Smith said.

“The recognition is well deserved as he has been a leader in the county for over 21 years and his impact on the profession is immense.” — Madison Schools’ Superintendent Angela Smith