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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Menu Guide Wedding Weather Subscribe Contact Us June 10, 2005 Through it all, Schlecht is to be counted on Those who wanted to know more about Ashland High Principal Jeff Schlecht simply had to watch him at the funeral of Leah Castillo Thursday. Mr. Schlecht is a class act. Schlecht spoke compassionately of mourning and loss, but also of his ongoing determination for the future. Castillo, a 2005 graduate, was killed less than an hour after the commencement ceremony when a teenage driver from Eagle Point allegedly tried to elude police and crashed into her car head-on. It was collision that sounded a discordant note deep within our Valley that echoes still. Though Castillo was the victim of another’s irresponsibility — or likely, criminality — it can’t help but be discussed in connection with Ashland’s other teen death this year. Kevan Thatcher-Stevens was himself killed while driving recklessly and trying to elude police. Stevens took the life of husband and father Charles Branch, while critically injuring two others, including yet another Ashland student, Ian Graham Collier. Through all this tragedy, Schlecht has become the rock upon which this student body stands. Despite concluding only his third year as the high school’s principal, Schlecht bleeds Grizzly Red. He wears a letterman’s jacket proudly. He is the unabashed cheerleader for each and every student at the school. He is the high-five reaching out to more than 1,000 students on a daily basis. Without a doubt such enthusiasm for the school can make it hard on news reporters who just want facts, even negative ones, when difficult stories arise. But with Schlecht it’s hard to get too upset about it. He makes no bones about his love for the school, the kids and the unique collective personality of this community. Even more important than his infectious enthusiasm, Schlecht has, at times like Thursday, provided a big shoulder of genuine compassion for each and every student. “My heart is broken,” Schlecht told the mourners. Nobody can doubt his sincerity. Castillo was a shy kid who could have been missed by many principals. But not Schlecht. He knew her, had talked with her and cared about her. Somehow he knows each of his students. Ask him about any one of them and instant recognition etches across his face. The telltale sign of his effectiveness at the helm of Ashland High School is that the kids love him. Watch a high school event of any kind from afar and you see the interaction. It’s genuine, just like the man himself. Ashland High School again has many wonderful things about the school year just concluded to celebrate. But it’s also been a tragic year — one of profound life lessons. Through it all Schlecht has been both the applause of celebration heard from the sidelines and the steady embrace of peace and calm that surrounds these kids like a security blanket. Enjoy the summer, Mr. Schlecht. You deserve a restful one. DailyTidings.com Home Page Archives | Revels | Classifieds | Real Estate Guide | Weather | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Deep Muscle Stimulator Ceramic Piggy Banks FREE Entertainment Guide Women's & Men's Slippers Accelerate Weightloss Products Backpacks Generic Viagra Vegas Travel Guide Search Engine Optimization Sportsbook Absinthe Supply Student Loans Hotel & Airline Reservations African Safari Hammocks Helzberg Diamonds Online Casinos Community Bonus Casino King of Spirits ink cartridges Mortgage Calculator Security Systems Mailing Lists Click Here Advertisement .:Advertisements:. Site Search: RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams