Jago lauded for years of service

    HOULTON — On Oct. 3, a  farewell gathering for Mark Jago, Greater Houlton Christian Academy’s retiring Head of School, would fit anyone’s list of “things done right.” Combining nostalgia, humor and deep expressions of gratitude, friends, family, students, staff, volunteers and alumnus gathered at GHCA’s gymnasium to pay tribute to their retiring Head of School.
    Event planners arranged for speakers who represented all eras of GHCA’s history during Jago’s tenure, including founding organizers, former staff, present staff, and current board and association volunteers. A DVD montage of photographs aptly tied together many of the memories and sentiments, which had been expressed. Among the evening’s most poignant moments was hearing Jago’s daughters publicly express their love and pride of their retiring father, who, as they noted, was also their Principal, Teacher and Coach at times. It was obvious that the complex, dual roles played by father and daughters will be source of many family stories for years to come (both, “good” and “bad”).  Yet, each expressed their heartfelt sentiment that they would not have changed anything in the past.  
    As the special speakers presented their thoughts and honorariums, it became clear that the informal and unpretentious nature of this event particularly suited the character of the night’s honoree.  The crowd was reminded of the humble beginnings of GHCA as it is now known, occupying the once-left-for-lost, now restored, Lambert School building on 27 School St. While at the same time, all were reminded that it was Jago who led the reorganization of the former County Road Christian School, to become a non-denominational Christian school near the heart of downtown Houlton. That alone would be considered a bold and distinctive accomplishment by anyone’s standards; yet, it was noted, this achievement in itself reflects only an eagle’s-eye view of Jago’s overall success. Possibly the best evidence of Jago’s superior leadership over the past 16 years is GHCA’s current candidacy for accreditation through the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEAS&C) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI).
    As the evening wound down, in recognition of his faithful commitment as GHCA’s Head of School, Jago was awarded the honorary title, Head of School, Emeritus, which permanently bestows this title upon him, as he retires from Christian school administration.
    Jago took time from his own night of recognition to acknowledge others, and to introduce his successor, John Bishop, as an excellent choice to carry GHCA to the next level.     Jago plans to relocate to southern Maine, where he has accepted a full time associate pastoral position at a growing church there.