November 23 Home Communicator – A small plaque of Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” sits on my desk in remembrance of a special colleague and friend, Dan Pott. This month marks the 2nd anniversary of Dan’s death. Dan led our school for many years as a middle school principal and then superintendent. He accomplished many things as a leader that contributed to the health and success of our school. But, in my eyes Dan’s legacy was so much more. His love for God was his first priority and his passion for Christian education was evident. He cared deeply for the people on staff and in the community as a whole.
Dan spent most of his school day building relationships with the people that walked the halls of HCS. He was known to set aside his never-ending to-do list to intentionally connect with students and staff. He often used the phrase “What’s best for kids?” and would use this to guide his decision making. He also spent countless hours in his office with parents and staff. Listening to what was important to them, counseling them, celebrating with them, and sharing in their struggles. The people he knew well, which were many, he could tell how they were feeling when they walked into the room. Dan considered HCS his second family and gave so much of himself to this community. If you knew Dan, you may have been one of the people that sat in his office and shared pieces of your life with him. If you didn’t know Dan, take a look at the loving community he fostered and it will give you an idea of who he was.
Although Dan is greatly missed and there is a hole in our family, HCS continues on. We have administrators that share the great love of Christian education and the HCS community, just as Dan did. Dan didn’t always do well with “being still” but he did know the importance of spending time with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In honor of Dan, I encourage you to think of Psalm 46:10 and these words…
“There is a silence and stillness that should overtake us in the presence of someone that is so overwhelmingly holy and glorious. The call to all is to be still before our holy, awesome, and glorious God.” -Pastor John Casteel
Jenny Gorter , Director of Educational Support Services
