Retiring Shawnee principal named Optimist Educator of the Year

SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP — In his first day teaching at Shawnee Maplewood School, Jim Cypher told his wife he wasn't sure he would make it.Thirty-nine years later he is retiring, and spending his last days in education where it all began at Maplewood. “After 39 years, it is your life, your identity,” he said Wednesday. “I still just love interacting with the children. I love being with the staff and parents, but I really think it is time for young blood.”Before ending those 39 years in education — all of those at Shawnee schools — the Shawnee Optimist Club wanted a chance to honor Cypher. The club presented Cypher with its annual Educator of the Year Award at its meeting Wednesday. Cypher will retire June 30. “I was just taken aback,” Cypher said of the award. “There are so many other educators in this community who could certainly receive this honor. I am humbled that the Optimist Club would choose me.”The club also awarded four $500 scholarships to area high school seniors at Wednesday's meeting. The recipients were Elizabeth Aller, of Shawnee, Justice Glenn, of Perry, Kayla Mumaw, of Apollo Career Center, and Shayna Niese, of Lima Central Catholic.Cypher began his career student teaching at Maplewood and then taught at the Elmwood building. He took over as middle school guidance counselor in 1993 and then became Elmwood principal in 2002. In 2007, he moved to Maplewood, where he has been principal ever since.When deciding he wanted to go into administration, Cypher came up short for awhile, applying and going to interviews, but not getting hired. Then a Shawnee restructuring led to the guidance position and then principal jobs. “God had a plan for me,” he said. “He truly did answer my prayers, but not in the time I wanted them to be answered.”The Optimist Club received letters from Cypher's staff and co-workers, who called him a class act and praised him for his kindness, consideration and ability to decorate well and “stretch a dollar.” Cypher said he has followed two important philosophies: Do what is best for children and treat others like he would want to be treated. Wednesday's letters talked of Cypher shaving his beloved mustache, fulfilling a promise he made to pupils after they did well on state tests. He has also made appearances at school as a reindeer and Elvis.“I have been so blessed to have been in a school district and community that has placed such emphasis on education,” he said. “For me to spend all 39 years at Shawnee, to have realized all of my career goals more than I had ever imagined, I am just so blessed.”