Shelby principal John Gies reflects on 35-year career in education

March 22, 2026 - 13:21

SHELBY — Graduation day at Shelby High School is the highlight of the year for Principal John Gies. But it’s not the pomp and circumstance, the speeches, or even the satisfaction of another school year complete that makes the day his favorite.

“There’s always those one or two kids every year that, boy, we had to work with,” Gies reflected, as he prepares to retire. “To see them walk across that stage, that’s the most rewarding part.”

That focus on individual student triumphs has defined Gies’s 35-year career in education, all of which he spent within the Shelby district. He began as a young teacher and coach, driven by a passion for connecting with students and guiding them through challenges both academic and personal. His philosophy was always rooted in building relationships first, believing that genuine care is the foundation for effective learning and growth.

After moving into administration, first as an assistant principal and then as the head of the high school for the last decade, Gies worked to foster a supportive and positive school culture. He is known for his consistent presence in hallways and at events, his approachable demeanor, and his steadfast belief in every student's potential. As he closes this chapter, his legacy is marked not by programs or policies, but by the countless students he encouraged to persevere and the staff he inspired to see the individual behind every report card. For Gies, education was always about the people.