Harry M. McCool

1927-2005

Mr. McCool was the only Principal of Haworth High School.  He served as the principal from 1968 to 1984 (16 years).  I have known Mr. McCool for over 45 years.  I have a lot of words I would use to describe this wonderful man.  He was a “man’s man.”   A man of integrity, caring, helpful and one of the most professional administrators I have ever been associated with in my 38 years as an educator.  I remember his dedication to excellence.  He would accept nothing less than the best from those around him, which was fair, since he set just as high a standard for himself.  Indeed, it was a hallmark of his life that he drove himself harder than those around him.

He was a man whom you had to respect.  He gave you no choice in that matter.  His life of dedication, his hard work, his tireless efforts in behalf of quality education could not help but be noticed by everyone around him.

His first concern was the kids.  First, last and always- the young men and women of HHS are what mattered to him.   With all his work and with all the demands upon his time, he always saw to it that there was time for the kids.  Whether it was a football game or a school activity he made time to be there.  Kids were truly first for Mr. McCool.  Even if he sat on the opposite side of an issue from you, you were struck by his conviction and concern about fairness to all.  You simply had to respect this fine man and outstanding educator.

His legacy lives on today through the students who graduated from Haworth High School and those staff members who were a part of the Haworth experience.

Harold W. Canady