In 1975 the American Broadcasting Company had a fictional character, Gabe Kotter, return to his alma mater, Brooklyn’s Buchanan High School, to oversee a racially and culturally diverse student body.
In 2017 Perry High School welcomed back its own real-world Gabe Kotter when PHS grad Brad Snowgren was hired as associate principal at his school with its racially and culturally diverse student body.
Snowgren, a member of Perry’s Class of 1998, spent the past 13 years teaching physical education and health at Fairfield High School, where he also helped coach baseball, basketball, football and wrestling for the Trojans. When Gary Czerniakowski retired early, the open position at his old school was one Snowgren could not pass up.
“I was looking to grow professionally in a leadership role, and I was given that opportunity here in Perry,” he said. “With Perry being my hometown, I knew the dedication that the teachers, coaches and administrators have for the students, and I want to bring that same dedication that was given to me back to my alma mater.”
While some faces have changed, some are still there from Snowgren’s days as a prep. Dan Marburger was both associate and then head principal during Snowgren’s prep days, and Tom Lipovac was serving as activities director. Both still serve in those roles.
The new staff member said he has definite goals in mind for his old-new home.
“I feel that as associate principal that I will be able to help add to the success of the administration at the high school by bringing a passion for education as well as ideas for continued student achievement and growth,” Snowgren said. “I also feel I will be able to help continue with building a positive learning culture and safe environment for all students.”
Snowgren and wife Abbye, a Keosauqua native, have two daughters, Kalyey and Adalyn, ages eight and six. He received an AA from DMACC and a BS from Iowa State University in physical education before completing a Master of Educational Leadership from Viterbo University.
“I look forward to learning about — and from — our students and staff,” he said. “I have spent my entire teaching career at the high school level and am excited to be back in my hometown.”
Well, the names have all changed since you hung around,
But those dreams have remained and they’ve turned around.
Who’d have thought they’d lead ya (Who’d have thought they’d lead ya)
Back here where we need ya? (Back here where we need ya?)
