For Gary Gula It's One More Time as Head of the Class

Canton High School principal Gary Gula is familiar with graduation gifts. Each year as seniors go up to accept their diplomas they hand him something and soon his pockets are overflowing with puzzle pieces, small plastic balls or fake moustaches. 

Whatever the Class of 2013 has up its sleeve this year will be especially poignant as it will be Gula’s last ceremony as principal. He announced his retirement earlier this year.

“The seniors have a special surprise for Mr. Gula at graduation since he's sort of graduating with us,” said class president Sarah Allen. “We like to say we're the lucky class of 2013 and one of our biggest blessings was having such a delightful and caring man as our principal.”

For 2013 graduates, there’s a world of possibilities. Whether that is a theme or not on Friday night, it has been one for Gula, who came to Canton in 1995 and took the helm of the then Canton Junior/Senior High School. Since 2003 has been principal exclusively for Canton High.

In his time in Canton, Gula has helped Canton High develop sister school relationships and has encouraging students to visit countries to further their language and cultural studies or participate in service trips.

“I think it expands your horizons,” he said of experiencing different cultures. “We have such a high standard of living in the U.S. We fail to realize not everyone lives like we do. It gives you a different perspective.”

Gula should know even if it was well after high school when he had the chance to travel. 

In 1974, he and wife Deb graduated from the University of Connecticut, married and within in 10 days moved to Australia, where both ended up teaching.

A couple of years later they found themselves back in the States but through a special offer available to them at the time, they first spent about half a year traveling to places like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India and Afghanistan, one of many place Gula would love to return.

While Afghanistan may be a long shot, he and Deb are retiring this year, he after leading Canton High School since 1995 and she after 18 years as a fourth-grade special education paraprofessional.

The two met at UConn in the fall of 1970. Gula determined to meet the person to his left and right in psychology 101. One was Deb. As it turns out the two had a lot in common. He was from New London, she Wilton. Both had been accepted to Boston College. Both had lacked the financial means to attend that school. Both would end up teaching, as have three of their grown children

They want to visit Australia and Yosemite and in the fall, Gula hopes to return to Yellowstone National Park. Gula has also grown to love New Mexico and Arizona.

Gula loves day hiking as well as photography and gardening and kayaking in Cape Cod.

Gula is also an avid fan of digital photography. He’s even thinking of taking courses in the latter.

First, however, there’s one more day of school — at least with students fully involved.

There have been trying times for sure but Gula said it’s mostly been great.

“Most days rejuvenate you,” he said of coming to work each day. “(The students are) always full of surprises.”

Friday night will be no different.