Retiring Kenwood Principal Suggests Parents 'Enjoy Every Moment'

Clawson Kenwood Elementary School Principal Lloyd Lewis never expected to receive a hero's sendoff at the end of the day on Tuesday. At one time in his life, he never would have expected to lead the school altogether.

Students, parents, staff, faculty, nor Lewis himself would have had it any other way, however, as Lewis plans his second retirement after being lured to Clawson two school years ago on an interim basis. They lined the halls at the end of the day, wearing neckties in tribute and chanting his name as he walked through, exchanging hugs and high-fives and shedding a tear or two.

"I just have a great big lump in my throat. It's been such a wonderfully supportive and embracing community. Parents said to me yesterday that even though I've only been here two years, they can't imagine me not being here. I feel the same way," he said.

School leadership has been in his heart for over 40 years — first as teacher and elementary principal in the Berkley School District and an elementary principal in the Farmington Schools before retiring in 2006. He returned to Farmington in 2009 to serve as a building administrator for a year and was substitute teaching when Clawson called.

"I had never intended to come back the first time," said Lewis, 68, of Waterford. "It's part of who you are. It's the sum of all of your experiences. If I've done anything, I've had longevity. I've had great opportunities to be lots of places and do lots of things and hopefully some of that was felt by the community."

As Lewis moves on to a long list of road trips planned with his wife and grandchildren, Kenwood moves on to a new, full-time principal, who had received Lewis' welcome. However, the experience of leading in Clawson will not be soon forgotten.

"(Clawson) really is a wonderfully cohesive, small town where people take care of each other," he said. "It was a good spot for me at this point in my life. I was able to give it all my love and effort every day but also knew I wasn’t building another 30-year career."

"You gotta love the moment. Don't let a day or a week go by without remembering that every day is a gift and nobody promises tomorrow."