Eagle Eye: What inspired you to become a principal? 

Thomas Yoder: I loved being a high school  English teacher, but the school where I taught encouraged me to become a principal. 

EE: How long have you had this position?  

TY: This is my eleventh year as principal at Tyrone Area High School. 

EE: Have you always worked at Tyrone? If not, where else?  

TY: I was an English teacher at Southern Huntingdon County High School and an assistant principal at Bellefonte Area High School. 

EE: What is your favorite memory as a principal?

TY: On Sunday at the Holiday Concert, the choir sung an old Christmas favorite for me, followed by “Merry Christmas Mr. Yoder”  – it was so nice of them to do that.

EE: If you weren’t teaching right now, what do you think you would have done with your life?

TY: At one time I was in the restaurant business and would probably still be doing that.

EE: Where did you attend high school?

TY: I graduated from Huntingdon Area High School.

EE: Where did you attend college?

TY: I have a BA in Philosophy from St. Francis University and an M. Ed from Penn State. 

EE: What’s your favorite book? 

TY: I really enjoy Edgar Allan Poe stories. 

EE: What is your favorite sport and sports team?  

TY: I love Tyrone Golden Eagle sports of course!!!

EE: What are some of your favorite hobbies?

TY: I enjoy history, antiques, landscaping, and boating on the Raystown Lake.