AMS principal retires, looks towards future with family Published June 16, 2009 By Airman Carissa Wolff 36th Wing Public Affairs ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- With 42 years of service dedicated to educating the leaders of tomorrow, Bill Hall, Andersen Middle School principal, is saying goodbye to his job and hello to a relaxing retirement. Mr. Hall celebrated his upcoming retirement with more than 100 friends and co-workers June 5 at the Guam Reef Hotel ball room. He will officially retire Aug. 1 and says he is looking forward to it. "I'm so excited," Mr. Hall said. "I can't wait to spend my time with my family, especially my two grandchildren. I have a lot of plans for my retirement." Mr. Hall oversaw the education of 350 students on a yearly basis at AMS by managing all school operations including fulfilling financial, planning and disciplinary roles. He has been the principal of the school for 12 years affecting approximately 4,000 young lives in that time. "I've had a very rich career," Mr. Hall said. "Having the opportunity to work around and with kids has been amazing. I have been fortunate in my career to have not just a couple of shining moments but thousands." Although Mr. Hall is excited about his retirement, there are things he will miss. "I'm going to miss going to school every morning," he said. "I'll miss the students most of all but I'll also miss working with an outstanding staff." According to Helen Bailey, Andersen Elementary School principal, her counterpart's retirement is hard-earned and deserved. "It saddens me that I'm losing one of the best colleagues I've ever had the pleasure of working with," Ms. Bailey said. "I'm also very happy for Bill because he has more than earned his retirement. It has been an honor working with him." After 42 years of experience, Mr. Hall says the key to success at school is to pay attention. "My advice to all those teaching and involved with the school system is to be flexible and pay attention because education is such a constantly changing entity in this day and age," Mr. Hall said. "The future of education will be quite an experience for anyone who has the privilege to be a part of it." A new AMS principal has yet to be identified.