Foothills High losing a fixture

And when word spread to students, they were equally shocked. They couldn't believe that Van Vlack, whom they call a one-of-a-kind principal, would want to give up his job at one of the most successful high schools in Tucson.

"I think there was a big shock scenario," said social studies teacher Nick Walker.

Van Vlack's last day at the school will be June 30.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Downey said the district will conduct a national search for a replacement. She did not give specifics on when the replacement would be hired.

Van Vlack, who is virtually never referred to by his first name, is well-known throughout the school for his boundless energy and devotion to every person on the sprawling campus. His personable attitude impressed everyone, from newcomers to veterans.

"I thought he was a very welcoming person and that he made me feel right at home here," said Walker, who started teaching at the school this year. "I think that's something he does very well, making people feel comfortable."

Van Vlack said he cares about the faculty and students because they care about their school. One of his best memories of his 10 years at the school involves a student with Down syndrome who fell and suffered nothing more than a minor scrape.

"We had kids come and assist her spontaneously from different groups," he said. "That kind of compassion is something I'll always remember."

There isn't enough space here to list all the recollections those at the school have of Van Vlack. But the common thread among all of them is his desire to not be the principal who rules the school from behind a desk.

"He knows everybody's names and when their birthdays are and wishes them a happy birthday," said senior Leslie Shaw, 18, who added that she was surprised that he knew her name before she walked onto campus her freshman year.

It's qualities like this that most of the staff say will make it difficult to lose an important part of the school.

"I was quite surprised and a little disheartened too, because I had just gotten to know him," Walker said. "I feel like I missed out on something there."

Thirty-five years ago...

Wagner Van Vlack began his career in education at Highland Park Central Elementary in Topeka, Kan., as a teacher. He became principal there two years later.

The state of education back then:

"Some of the things are the same," he said. "Teachers are very caring and passionate. But we've come miles in technology and meeting the needs of special-needs students."

How he dressed:

"I think I dressed similarly as I do now: khaki pants and loafers and sometimes a necktie. So my dress has remained the same, but students were dressed dramatically different. The teenagers were wearing their pants at about the lower part of their calf — high waters. I couldn't fathom why anyone would want to do that."

Also in 1972:

President: Richard M. Nixon

Best Picture Oscar: "The French Connection"

NCAA basketball champion: UCLA over Florida State, 81-76

No. 1 song: Don McLean's "American Pie"

Super Bowl champion: Dallas Cowboys over Miami Dolphins, 24-3

Car Magazine's Car of the Year: Buick Gran Sport 455 Stage 1