Avondale retiree honored for years of service to students
The motto of the Auburn Hills Morning Optimist Club is “Friend of Youth.” On June 18, the group presented longtime educator, Frederick Cromie, with the group’s Lifetime Achievement Award for a career spent being a friend of youth.
Pictured (L to R): Bill Johnson, Auburn Hills Morning Optimist Club President; Lois Cromie, mother of recipient; Frederick Cromie, award recipient; Camie Cromie, wife of recipient; and Dr. James Schwarz, Avondale School District Superintendent
“We feel it’s important to recognize people in the community who believe, as we do, that the greatest work you can do is to help children grow in positive and productive ways,” said Club President, Bill Johnson. “Fred has demonstrated time and again that he believes that too. It’s a pleasure to present him with the Auburn Hills Morning Optimist Club Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Cromie is retiring this year from the Avondale School District where he has spent the last 13 years, first as principal of Avondale High School and then as Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services. He began his career in education in 1978 at St. Mary’s of Redford in Detroit and throughout his years of service continually demonstrated his commitment to furthering students along their paths to academic and personal achievement.
In recognition of his commitment to students, Cromie has received two notable awards during his tenure in education. First, while serving as high school assistant principal for Sparta Area Schools, he was presented with the Teacher of the Year Award by the Special Education Department; and in 1996, the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals named him Administrator of the Year for Student Services.
“There is going to be a tremendous hole when Fred moves into retirement,” said Avondale Superintendent, Dr. James Schwarz. “It’ll be like running a marathon with only one shoe. We know though that Fred’s legacy is that his example is one to follow and we thank him for setting that pace for those who continue in his place. Because of that and for so many other reasons, it’s appropriate that he is receiving this award.”
Receiving the award, Cromie expressed his appreciation to the Optimist Club for honoring him, “I would like to thank the Optimist Club for the Lifetime Achievement Award in Education. The Club’s mission is to serve the students of Avondale School District. It was my honor to serve this community as their high school principal for ten years followed by three years at Central Office. This community and school district can be so proud of our students. They are always great representatives of our community. Thank you again to the Optimist Club.”
Cromie joins a distinguished group of past recipients including John Petitto, Kathy Polasek, David Dawley, Susan Briggs, Cathy Guerrero, Mary Zuehlk and Dr. George Heitsch.
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