Just retired Salem Community High School Principal John Boles has been named the Grand Marshal of this year’s Little Egypt Festival Parade in Salem. After a few years at Odin, Boles moved to Salem High School, where, during his 32-year career, he served as a teacher, assistant and then head boys’ basketball coach, Assistant Principal, and finally as Principal.
“Total shock. My first thought, I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but how many more people are so much more deserving of this than I am. Individuals and especially businesses in our community that have done far more than I have. My mind immediately went to Sleep in Heavenly Peace and the Evans Family of Produce Plus, my goodness, they provide meals for people in need, first responders, and our law enforcement, how much more deserving they are than this guy. But I do want them to know I am extremely grateful, and it does mean a lot.”
Boles says he always felt that the administration, teachers, staff, cooks, and bus drivers were ‘all in this together’, and he wished they could all be with him as he served as grand marshal. Boles became known at the high school for trying to greet every student as they passed by his office in the morning and between classes. He noted during an earlier interview that high school students haven’t changed; the adults have. Boles lived by the mindset that every kid could use a pat on the back or attaboy, no matter the situation. He thanked the parents and students for making his career.
The Little Egypt Festival is always the first Saturday in October and will be October 4th this year. The day long festival concludes with the two pm parade.
