Nearly four decades ago, Greg Prange stepped into his classroom as the newest biology teacher. A position only guaranteed for one year by the former principal, Dr. Mahan, little would Mr. Prange know that he had just walked into his second home for the next 39 years.
Mr. Prange graduated from SHS in 1979, unsure of what route to take in the following years. He attended IU, exploring several options, but ultimately, in the second semester of his freshman year, he landed on teaching, specifically biology. Mr. Prange avidly enjoyed biology throughout his high school years, and it was suggested by his college advisor to minor in that subject. He graduated from IU in 1983, and then in 1984 got his first teaching position at Seymour High School.
Mr. Prange had no intentions of ever landing a spot as principal. He believed assistant principal or athletic director was something he was interested in. In 2009, after 15 great years of teaching, Mr. Prange got the job as assistant principal. Only a short 7 years later, his position was bumped up to principal, where he remained as principal for 18 years. Although Mr. Prange never thought about administration, when the time came, he felt it was right for a change, stating, “It was not difficult, but it was very different.” Mr. Prange also noted that although he didn´t have to create lesson plans or grade papers, the workload was a nonstop process. Through the years, Mr. Prange taught and administrated over several generations, from grandparents to kids currently at the high school.
From relationships with coworkers to finding lifetime friendships with past students, Mr. Prange enjoyed many memories in the halls and classrooms at Seymour High School. Mr. Prange stated himself as “very blessed,” through his years and through his friends then and now. The best part for him was watching the students grow up and be successful adults and achieve great things. Mr. Prange reminds us that even through the hard times, he would do it all over again. He may have done some things differently but ultimately would have landed himself in the same place. Mr. Prange notes that “Students haven´t changed. Parents have.”
As some parting words, Prange hopes students will “Take advantage of all of the opportunities they have here. We are very lucky. Too many times we don´t realize what we have until it is gone.”
Thank you for your dedication to SHS, Mr. Prange. We love you, appreciate you, and will miss you.
