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Miller honored by Statesville Christian
Regan Hill photo
As recognition for his service to Statesville Christian School, the northern campus has been renamed in honor of former interim headmaster Dent Miller.
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Published: April 30, 2009
When Dent Miller strolled nonchalantly into the gym Wednesday at Statesville Christian School, he got a surprise he wasn't expecting.
Following what he thought was a routine fire drill, Miller walked into the gym where students and faculty were waiting to surprise him.
The entire school managed to pull off a surprise farewell gathering for Miller, who served as interim headmaster at the private Christian school for two years.
"I'm honored to be recognized in such a nice way," Miller said.
Miller, who started his career in education 54 years ago as a teacher at Mulberry, now plans to take a less active role in day-to-day administrative duties.
As Miller walked slowly toward the crowd gathered in the gym, he was accompanied by cheers from adoring teachers, students and parents.
Headmaster Dirk Mroczek met Miller at center court and presented him with a plaque for his dedication and service to the school.
"I respect and love you," Mroczek said. "We're deeply grateful for everything you've done for our school."
Mroczek told the audience that April 29 will be forever known as Dent Miller Day at the school, and the northern campus will be named Dent Miller Campus.
"He's a very Godly man and gave a lot to our school community," Mroczek said. "We want to honor him. ... We want the children to know and remember a man such as Mr. Miller."
Student Tamara Estes presented Miller with a picture as a gift from the senior class, and Mary Claire Kyles presented Miller's wife, June, with flowers.
Each senior autographed the picture and wrote a few words expressing their gratitude.
"The school would not be where it is without you, Mr. Miller," Tamara said.
Senior class members said they perceive Miller as more than an educator. To some, he's a friend, mentor, father and grandfather figure.
Miller, who served on the school's board before taking over as interim headmaster, has slowly been weaning himself from the position he's held for two years.
Most recently he has decreased the hours and days he spends at the school is dedicating more of his time to work on the "business side of things," he said.
Senior Chelsea Tubridy, 17, said Miller is encouraging and inspirational.
"You can tell he's not here just to run a school, but cares about every student," she said. "He's done so much for the school and put everything into the school, he deserves to be honored."
Cassie Sims, 18, was glad the school decided to honor Miller.
"I thought it was a good idea," she said. "I'm glad we decided to thank him for all he's done."
Matt Smith, 18, has developed a personal relationship with Miller and will miss him after graduation.
"He's done so much for me over the past two years," Smith said. "He's like a grandfather to me."
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