💜💛 If you walk the halls of CDHS with the principal, Mr. Pickup, you’ll notice he knows every single student’s name and something about each of them. That’s because building relationships with students has been the most important thing to him throughout his 38 years in education. And, after announcing he will be retiring after the 2023-2024 school year, he said it’s the students he will miss the most.
“That’s what I went into this profession for,” Mr. Pickup said. “I talk about relationships a lot and I think that’s the key to our success. Every decision should be student-driven.”
Mr. Pickup started his career as a history teacher eventually becoming an assistant principal at CDHS and then head principal for the last 16 years. It wasn’t his intention to be a principal when he went into education but along the way he felt a calling to do more to make schools a place where students’ best interests were the foundation.
“Throughout his career, Mr. Pickup has embodied the very essence of educational passion, nurturing an environment where relationships flourish, and respect that binds students, staff, and community members together in shared ambition,” Superintendent Dr. Dan Peterson said.
As a principal, Mr. Pickup’s favorite moment comes every spring when he gets to shake the hands of the students as they cross the stage during graduation. He takes pride in watching the students mature and find their niche between their freshman and senior years. Another favorite memory will always be coaching boys basketball and girls track. And, he said coaching after retirement isn’t out of the question.
Mr. Pickup has spent 27 of his 38 years in education at Central DeWitt and in that time has had a profound impact on the students and staff. His motto, “Pride in Self, Pride in School and Pride in Community” can be seen everywhere and it’s a motto the students and staff take to heart. At events, Mr. Pickup is known for showing his Saber spirit and pumping up the crowd with his “bowling.” He’s also known at assemblies for being a pretty competitive participant in musical chairs. What Mr. Pickup hopes, though, is that the students and staff remember that he cared.
“His legacy will continue to inspire us,” Dr. Peterson said. “And, while his daily presence will be greatly missed, the impact of his work will resonate for generations to come.”
Thank you for all you have done Mr. Pickup, and remember, once a Saber, always a Saber!
