Paul Edward Kerrick graduated from EHS in 1935. After graduating from Western Kentucky University in 1939, he taught school in Missouri for a year and a half and worked as a chemist in Ohio for one year. He returned to Elizabethtown in 1943 as a science teacher at EHS. Before the school year ended, he entered the U.S. Navy and served two years during World War II. He returned to EHS in 1946 as the chemistry teacher for 6 years and then became principal of EHS for 20 years. He then served the district as Director of Pupil Personnel for 7 years and as Director of Food Services for another 7 years. He retired in 1986 with over forty years of service. Mr. Kerrick died in September, 1994. The Elizabethtown Independent School District was Mr. Kerrick’s life. He oversaw the growth of EHS from 210 students and 7 teachers in 1952 to over 800 students. He oversaw the construction of and movement into two new buildings, the integration with Bond Washington, and the transfer of students from West Point and Elizabethtown Catholic High Schools. During most of his 20 years as principal of EHS, Mr. Kerrick also served as athletic director, working to strengthen the athletic program to achieve the level of state recognition. Under Mr. Kerrick’s direction athletes were required to meet high academic standards and were taught the importance of character, sportsmanship and leadership. As much as Mr. Kerrick supported athletics, he was even more devoted to academics. He wanted every student to succeed, pushed for academic rigor in the classroom, and worked to develop a conference of schools recognizing “academics and athletics.” Every student earning a high award signed the Book of Gold. All achievements were treated equally whether they were in music, art, athletic, or academic pursuits. Mr. Kerrick worked to ensure every student faced excellent teachers with the tools to provide the sound fundamental education necessary to face a world not just for today but for the challenges of tomorrow. The results of this can be seen in the achievements of EHS graduates in Elizabethtown and throughout the nation.