2009-Howard B. Kirkpatrick

Born May 21, 1935 in Digby, Nova Scotia, Howard holds a Bachelor of Physical Education Degree from the University of New Brunswick (1961) and a Masters of Education Degree in Education Administration (1963) and a Certificate of Advance Study-General Administration (1968) from the University of Maine, Orono.

While at the UNB, he was a member of the first graduating class of the newly created Faculty of Physical Education under the direction of Dr. John Meagher and, as a three sport athlete, was a member of the varsity football, basketball and volleyball teams.

Howard began his teaching career in Carleton County at Centreville Regional High Schooling 1961-62 and that year coached the boys’ basketball team to a Provincial Class "M” Championship.

Between 1972-1992, Howard served as Principal of Woodstock High School and during this period h worked with the architectural firm, Soucy and Ellis, to complete the design and construction of the new Woodstock High School located in Connell Park. Drawing on principles learned in the facilities design course of his undergraduate degree, he introduced many innovative and revolutionary features that resulted in greater functional utilization of the cafeteria, student locker area, theatre and gymnasium facilities.

As Principal, his vision and leadership emphasized the pursuit of excellence and his personal commitment to athletics resulted in an enhanced interscholastic programme at WHS by:

·   Strengthening the intramural programme and forming weightlifting, karate, aerobics and fitness clubs;

·   Transforming the annual Christmas Basketball Classic into the top mid-season showcase of provincial talent

·   Introducing high school hockey and supporting the growth of the NBIAA Western Conference League in the upper St. John River Valley;

·   Adding baseball, track and field, rugby, curling and golf as NBIAA varsity sports;

·   Becoming the first principal to select and appoint qualified coaches from the community;

·   Encouraging participation in the National Coaches’ Certification Programme;

·   Initiating new funding mechanisms to support extracurricular activities, and

·   Pioneering the transition to, and purchasing of, vans for extracurricular transportation.

In regiment, Howard and his wife Marion continue to support WHS sporting events and artistic performance.

~ INDUCTION MAY 16TH, 2009 ~