Never far from home and not for long. A native Shelbian, John Gies ’84 has dedicated nearly a quarter century to guiding thousands of SHS students along their educational journey. While an SHS student, John was a member of the track team, a trainer for the football team, a member of the Academic Challenge team, and attended Buckeye Boys state.
He then earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Bowling Green State University and later at Ashland University a master’s degree in educational administration.
John began his career in education as a social studies teacher and track and football coach from 1990-1993 at Marion Catholic High School and then from 1993-1999 at Mansfield Madison Comprehensive High School. He began teaching social studies from 1999-2000 at SHS where he also coached track and football. From 2001-2003 John began his education administrative career as assistant principal at Firelands High School in Oberlin.
He then returned to SHS as assistant principal. In 2006 he was promoted to SHS principal, a position he continues to hold. John is a member of the SHS Alumni Association Board of Trustees which he serves as treasurer. He also is on the Board of Trustees for Marvin Memorial Library, and is a member of the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators which he is currently serving as state coordinator, representing all Ohio principals at the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Says a fellow alum, “John has earned a reputation as a tremendous contributor to the excellence in education for which Shelby is known.”