The special send-off given to retiring Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School principal George Duncan on April 15 confirmed the genuine admiration that students, teachers and other CVE staff members felt toward the longtime educator.

During a party in the school gym that honored "King George Duncan," there was no doubt that the positive expressions voiced about the principal and his years of service were, without exception, sincere.

To his credit, Duncan gave students an upbeat attitude about learning from the moment they entered the school - greeting each of them with his trademark high-five. Beyond that, he imparted an ongoing message about the importance of kindness.

His favorite message to students was, "Remember, there is only one planet we can live on, so we have to learn to live together."

And, while it's not uncommon to hear of workers being unwilling to exude the highest praises regarding their bosses, that wasn't the case at Connoquenessing Valley, where Duncan was greatly respected by teachers and other staff members as well as by the students.

"He has been a big advocate for all the teachers," said Jessica Ayers, a Grade 4 special education teacher.

Meanwhile, Duncan was accorded deserved words of praise by Donald Tylinski, Seneca Valley School District superintendent, who said "the faculty and children all love his presence and appreciate the job he's done."

"He deserves this kind of a send-off," Tylinski said, referring to the royal celebration of Duncan's successful educational career.

Current and former students whose learning was touched by Duncan's positive influence will continue to display admiration for him and his high ideals and commitment if they continue to project the qualities that he was so successful in instilling in them.

Indeed, Duncan was a king among educators.