ROYAL CITY - Jack Hill, who just retired as the Royal High School principal, did not plan to be an educator when he first went to college.

After two years at Wenatchee Valley College, the 1968 Wenatchee High School graduate turned to business management. He worked for the Peter Rabbit grocery store in Wenatchee.

"That's what I thought I wanted to do," he said.

After two years of that grind, however, and looking ahead to what grocery management might mean financially, Hill changed his mind. He went back to college, attending Central Washington University one year.

In 1975, Hill transferred to Washington State University. He graduated with a bachelor of science in physical education and teacher certification. He stayed another year, earning a masters degree in physical education.

"I wanted to teach at the junior college level," he said.

Hill changed his mind again. He decided to take a job at Tonasket Middle School so that he could coach high school sports.

Hill was the head baseball coach for 13 years and assisted in football and basketball. His 1980 baseball team made it to state. The 1989 football team went to state when he was head coach.

In 1990, Hill made another move that was not exactly his long-term plan. He came to Royal City to launch a career as a high school principal.

"The plan was we were going to stay three years," he said. "Then we decided this is a good place to raise kids."

Hill beat the odds. Most principals remain in one place no more than five years. He was here 23.

"I guess I never made anybody mad enough to want to fire me," he said.

Hill has been here long enough that there were students in recent years who were sons and daughters of some of his earliest Royal High students. Some of the original students are now more friend than student.

"State championships were fun and exciting but, when it's all said and done, I will remember the kids the most," he said.