Catching Up With…
(Headmaster) Mr. Dan Childs
Question
#1: What was your position at Towering Oaks and how long did you
work there?
Mr. Childs: I came to T.O. in December of 1973 and I remained through May of 1976. My title was headmaster, although I guess I viewed myself more as a principal
Question #2: Please tell us how you are doing and about your life today.
Mr. Childs: I am doing extremely well today, although there are those who believe that I am still a little “wacky”. I am thankful to God for the health of Pat and myself. I am mostly retired and spend most of time aggravating my children and grandchildren. They are the loves of my life.
Question #3: Fill us in on what you have done over the years since your days at Towering Oaks.
Mr. Childs: As most of you know, I served at Briarcrest from 1976 to 1988 as Vice-Principal and from December, 1988 to July, 1995 as Principal. I retired in 1995 and immediately accepted a seasonal position with the National Park Service in Great Smokey Mountains National Park. I work as an interpretive ranger from four to six months a year, just completing my eighth season in September. I have some great bear stories. Truly, it has been the most fun job in all my employment years. I even persuaded Pat to work at Dollywood!
Question #4: What is your favorite memory(s) from Towering Oaks?
Mr. Childs: The students at T.O. were some of the most wonderful I have ever known. You would be surprised if you really knew how many of you Pat and I love and remember. I still have a plaque on my bookshelf that the cheerleaders of 1974-75 gave me. You, the students, are my favorite memory.
Question #5: Is there a message to the alumni of Towering Oaks that you would like for us to pass along?
Mr. Childs: Even though there is no longer a building called Towering Oaks, there will always be one in our hearts. Remember the closeness and love you guys had. You have memories and experiences that many classes with operating schools cannot realize. Keep your closeness, stay in touch, share your love, pray for each other, and there will always be a T.O.
Thank you Mr. Childs for those warm and inspiring words!
