Retiring Cooper HS Principal Reflects on Career, ‘Papa Hawk’ Nickname
Principal Frank Herman will retire later in February after eight years leading Cooper High School as “Papa Hawk.”
Why the nickname?
“I thought, I don’t know if they are making fun of me at first, but pretty soon other kids started calling me that,” said Herman. “If you can’t beat them, join them.”
Since then, Herman has called himself Papa Hawk, even going so far as to create social media posts around the moniker.
When school is dismissed because of weather, you can watch your social media feed to see Herman create a school cancellation notice that’s sure to make you chuckle.
“The madness behind that is it created connections with students,” said Herman. “I think it worked in a lot of ways. People would ask, when’s the next video coming out? You haven’t done that in awhile. So I knew that created some conversations.”
Hey Cooper Hawks. School is closed Wednesday and Thursday due to the weather. Have an amazing break. Here is a little winter break message. pic.twitter.com/EE040p44dV
— Principal Herman (Cooper High School) (@FrankEHerman) December 21, 2022
Creating conversations with teens is what Herman leans into and it’s part of what he will miss.
“They are always changing and that’s the challenge and the joy…and the challenge. Notice I said challenge twice,” said Herman. “That’s the beauty of it.”
Herman says the timing just felt right to retire.
“This was a good time and I could help with any transition during the year as the district sees fit,” said Herman.
His last day on the job is Feb. 28.
