“The daily contact with students and faculty is what I’ll miss most. They are the best!” exclaims Fairfield High School Principal, Von Wade. This comment was made in reference to his retirement, which will occur at the end of this school year.

After 41 years as an educator, Mr. Wade will say goodbye, but don’t fret, he’s not going far. He has plans to attend many of the extra-curricular events at FISD throughout his retirement. He also plans to work around his home, read, and work at church (First United Methodist of Fairfield).

Mr. Wade was born in 1955 in Abilene, Texas, and remained there through the end of his sixth grade year. He began his seventh grade year in the McGregor Schools, and graduated from McGregor High School in 1973.

He began his college education at Texas A&M, where he spent one year before transferring to Tarleton State University, where he graduated in May of 1977 with a Bachelors of Arts degree with a double major in History and Government.

Later, he continued his education at Stephen F Austin University, where he earned his Masters degree in Education (Mid-Management Certificate) in December of 1986.

Mr. Wade began his educational career here at Fairfield ISD in August of 1977 where he served as a teacher and coach at Fairfield Junior High for one year. From 1978-1987 he served as a teacher and coach at Fairfield High School.

For the 1987-1988 school year, Mr. Wade was both a teacher at the High School and spent half a day as Assistant Principal for the Junior High.

Beginning in the 1988-1989 school year, through the 1991-1992 school year, he served as Assistant Principal at Fairfield High School.

Mr. Wade will retire as Fairfield High School Principal, the position he has held since August 1992.

Not only is Mr. Wade an educator, but his wife Paula is a retired educator, and their daughter Katie is a current educator. Katie is a Physics Teacher and Cross-Country & Girls Track Coach at Fairfield High School.

“My favorite memory has been ongoing,” explains Mr. Wade. “I enjoy seeing a student enter as a freshman who is unsure of themselves and four years later graduate as an adult who is ready to conquer life.”

He continues saying, “The best part of my job as principal is the graduation ceremony each year.”

For his past students, he asks them to always remember Fairfield High School and to keep its memories close to their heart.

Present students are encouraged to take advantage of the time and opportunities they have left at FHS, to get involved, and to prepare themselves for the future.

Mr. Wade concludes by saying, “I will miss the daily relationships and interactions. FHS has teachers who care for and nurture the future of our nation. These teachers have an impact on their students that will be life-long; they truly change the life-course of their students. It has been an honor and privilege to have served this district.”

Congratulations, Mr. Wade, on your upcoming retirement. You will be missed around the halls of FHS!