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Headmaster seeks a change

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com

Published: June 10, 2009

PARKLAND ESTATES - Jim Larkin has been a fixture at St. John Greek Orthodox Day School for 31 years.

He became headmaster of the school at 2418 W. Swann Ave. in 1978 when he was 26 years old. He met his wife at St. John, they held their wedding reception in the school's gymnasium, and their two children are St. John alumni.

So when Larkin announced his retirement effective June 30, his said staff and parents were shocked.

"I think it's the right thing for the school," said Larkin, 58. "I think change is good and will get fresh ideas for the school. Was I quite ready? No. Then why did I do it? It's a culmination of things, but it just hit me."

As he sat in his office last week, composing the words he would say to this year's graduates, Larkin realized he just as easily could be giving the speech to himself.

"It's about change. You can either ignore it and pretend is doesn't exist. You can fight and drag your heels in. Or you can embrace it with excitement and fear," he said. "This is a leap of faith for me."

Larkin, emotional with the feelings of love and support expressed by students, parents and staffers, spoke with the South and Central Tampa News & Tribune about what he will miss at St. John and what is next for the educator.

Q: What are your plans? How will you spend your retirement?

A: I'm retiring from St. John's but not from education. It's scary and it's exciting. I have two kids in college and bills like everyone else. I'm considering going back to school; maybe be a school counselor.

Q: What will you miss the most?

A: Opening the car doors in the mornings and closing the doors in the afternoon. I love greeting the students, especially the middle schoolers who are so unhappy in the mornings. I usually greet them with a loud, cheerful good morning. I'm also going to miss having the kids coming into my office just to talk. And I'll miss the staff. We've been though everything together. It's very much family.

Q: What do you hope your legacy will be at St. John's?

A: I've always believed that we were a place where children fit, especially those who were like square pegs in round holes. We give them a chance to fit in. They find a home here and will rise to success. I don't want to see that go away. I want to make sure that those kids who aren't the cookie-cutter type aren't turned away from St. John's.

Q: Have you found someone to take your place?

A: Fifth grade teacher Cindy Strickland will be our interim academic principal. She's a very good choice for this as she has taught our older students, and she is located on the wing with the younger ones. But I don't know how to prepare her for it.

Q: Have you heard from alumni?

A: I've had some incredible e-mails from graduates. I received a painting from one. What I've meant to them... You don't get it that you make that impact. One of the middle schoolers wrote to me that on the first day of school, I wanted to know his name. That meant that I wanted to know who he was. I look at it as doing my job and loving kids. I don't realize the impact I have on people. All my little darlings....

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Retirement reception honoring Jim Larkin

WHERE: St. John Greek Orthodox Day School, 2418 W. Swann Ave.

WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. June 26

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 259-7661.

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