Saying goodbye to CCHS: The legacy of Principal Wendy Doll

BY THE LARIAT EDITORIAL BOARD

After being the principal of CCHS for over twenty years, Principal Wendy Doll has announced her retirement. Doll has led CCHS with grace and has impacted the lives of many staff members and students during her time at CCHS.

The goal of CCHS is to strive for a “tradition of excellence.” This phrase is often heard from Doll at assemblies, awards nights and other important events. It is something that Doll has emphasized and carried out while leading CCHS, and something that alumni will often remember for years to come.

 “I will be forever grateful for the leadership and the passion Ms. Doll demonstrated throughout my time at CCHS,” Class of 2019 alumnus David Lee said. “She clearly worked hard to carry on the ‘tradition of excellence’ that Cooper City High School is known for. She taught me the importance of ‘loving what you do’ and the value of hard work.”

For a few individuals, Doll has served not only as their boss, but also as their high school principal. English teacher and CCHS alumna Hailee Yaeger had the privilege of being both a student and a teacher under Doll’s leadership.

“She clearly worked hard to carry on the ‘tradition of excellence’ that Cooper City High School is known for.”

Class of 2019 alumnus David Lee

“There’s a lot of history there. It’s weird to think about Cooper City High without Ms. Doll,” Yaeger said. “She’s all I’ve ever known. It’s crazy to think that I went from student to teacher because she was my principal when I attended.”

Doll dedicated countless hours to CCHS. On the weekends, she could often be found at school working. She supported her students in their many activities and often attended student events including band competitions, sports games, drama productions, dances and more.

 “From my experiences that I did have with [Ms. Doll], she was friendly and always supportive of each club,” senior Hana Amireh said.

For many teachers, Doll has been the only principal they have worked with at CCHS. She was there to hire them and watch them grow as educators during their time at CCHS. The school will be very different for both teachers and students without Doll.

“She is a true Cooper City Cowboy through and through.”

English teacher and CCHS alumna Hailee Yaeger

 “[Ms. Doll] hired me on the spot. I’ll always be grateful,” science teacher Jason Scarlatelli said. “You can’t deny she’s been dedicated to this school – she’s put in so many hours because she’s involved in everything. It was her tenure that modernized the school. She oversaw all the construction [of] the two new buildings (3900 and 3400) and the cafeteria.”

As principal of CCHS, Wendy Doll has created a school community like no other. She has ensured that each CCHS student has a memorable, exciting and meaningful high school experience. She has collaborated with her faculty to create a school environment where students and staff feel welcome and safe. Doll has watched CCHS grow and changed it for the better.

“[Ms. Doll has] definitely left a legacy,” Yaeger said. “She is a true Cooper City Cowboy through and through.”

Photos courtesy of The Round Up