"What's Best for Kids?"

Charlie Blair had no idea this column was in the works.
No doubt he’ll cringe when he reads it. That’s because he’s never sought the limelight, never enjoyed being the center of attention.
 
His calling, you see, has always been about doing right by others: looking inward while reaching out. Do your job. Then step back. Let your colleagues and the kids get the credit. That was always his approach teaching history. That’s been his approach directing Collegiate’s boys varsity soccer program since 1981. That’s been his approach heading the Middle School since the day he succeeded Bill Reeves way back in 1991.
 
Nobody in his right mind leads the same school division for 28 years. There’re way too many pressures, far too much stress, details galore, and, at the end of the day, the buck comes to a screeching halt right there at your desk. Nine-to-five job? No way. Sleep. What’s that? With iPhones and laptops, your office goes with you wherever you go.
 
Charlie has pulled it off, though, and he’s done so with humor, grace, and aplomb, an even hand, steady demeanor, and – most important – unwavering character and integrity.
 
A strong, motivated, dedicated faculty and coaching staff, happy kids, a close-knit family, and a loyal circle of friends are his reward. Not acclaim. Not fanfare. Not congratulations for a victory on the pitch, a championship, another coach-of-the-year honor, or the completion of another successful school year.
 
Monday afternoon, Charlie Blair announced his retirement. What a stunner! Who in the world saw it coming? Yet at the end of this term, 40 years after he arrived fresh out of UVA without a lick of teaching experience, he’ll step away, take a breather, settle into a slower, more relaxed pace, and figure out what comes next. A 12-year cancer survivor, he assures us that his decision isn’t health related. It’s just time, he said. There’s wisdom in knowing when that time has arrived.
        
Before you go, Charlie, there a few things I’d like to say. I’m not alone, of course. Your legion of admirers echoes my sentiments.
 
What defines you isn’t just the “happening” Middle School that you oversee or your 400-plus soccer victories, 11 Prep League titles, three VISAA championships, and 7-0-2 record this fall in what promised to be a rebuilding year.
 
It’s the values you live, the personal attributes that are part of your makeup, and the tone you set as a servant leader every single day.

Yeah, I know. We’re a team. It’s about “we,” not “me.” That’s what you always say, but it’s that spirit that has earned you the trust and respect from the Collegiate family, your friends at other schools, and competitors in the athletic arena. There’s no greater accomplishment, no higher compliment.
 
Those who have shared your journey know that your guiding principle has always been “What’s best for kids?” You’ve always striven to challenge them to step outside their comfort zones and take risks, then cheered them on when they succeeded, picked them up when they stumbled and fell, and encouraged them every step of the way.
 
Your door is almost always open, and you always have time for anyone who pops in, whether the matter is weighty or trivial. You’re thoughtful, empathetic, and discreet, and you invariably offer sound counsel. We’ve never seen you flustered, even when you’re going a million directions at once. You exude quiet strength. You provide a voice of reason. You’re firm but compassionate in matters of honor and discipline and unfailingly fair and forthright in your interactions with, well, everyone.
 
Your career has been built on relationships. You’re the ultimate team player, consensus builder, and advocate for the underdog. You’ve never hesitated to roll up your sleeves and do the grunt work nor have you forgotten what it’s like to teach four classes, serve as an advisor, cover a study hall, and pull recess duty, all before heading out to the athletic field, then grading papers until midnight.
 
As education has rapidly evolved, you’ve evolved as well. You’re forward-thinking and receptive to new ideas, changing trends, and different perspectives. Most important, your word is your bond.
 
So, Charlie, as you prepare to sign off, know that you’ve done good, and you’ve also done well. Very well. Your body of work is impactful. Your legacy will be everlasting. You are truly a Collegiate icon.
 
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