Online News Day or Knight - Official news site of North Penn High School - 1340 Valley Forge Rd. Lansdale, PA

The Knight Crier

Online News Day or Knight - Official news site of North Penn High School - 1340 Valley Forge Rd. Lansdale, PA

The Knight Crier

Online News Day or Knight - Official news site of North Penn High School - 1340 Valley Forge Rd. Lansdale, PA

The Knight Crier

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Stephen E. Frederick – An Inspiring March Back to North Penn

TOWAMENCIN –  With dedication spanning decades and a story inspiring to any person who hears it, Mr. Stephen E. Frederick exemplifies all that is the heart and soul of the North Penn School District.

 

A graduate of both West Chester University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education, and Villanova University, with a Masters degree in Secondary School Administration, Frederick came to North Penn in 1972 as the band director, having previously taught music in the Colonial and Central Bucks School Districts.

 

“That was really my first high school job. Prior to coming to North Penn in 1972, I was teaching in two other school districts. I taught Elementary Instrumental Music, and at that time, it was called junior high school–now they’re called middle schools. Came here in ’72, and really had a lot of great things take place […] Most importantly, the students in what became known as the Marching Knights,” said Frederick.

 

After working in music education for 18 years, Frederick made the “difficult decision” to move into the administrative world.

 

“[Leaving music education] was a very difficult decision to make because of the great relationships that I had had. We had developed a pretty good [music] program at that point,” said Frederick.

 

Inspired by a “number of great people who were role models for [him] in the administrative world” Frederick completed his graduate work at Villanova and in 1990, and began his work as an administrator at North Penn.

 

 “I looked at what possibilities of impact I could have hopefully on other students and other opportunities, and different types of challenges, it kind of drove me in that direction,” Frederick said.

 

A career full of dedication to the North Penn School District, Frederick has worked within the district for 29 of his 35 years in education.

 

“Originally, I came to North Penn as the band director, and was here as the band director until 1990. Then, I entered the world of administration, and went out of the district for two years, and came back into the district at Penndale, and then back over at the high school,” said Frederick. “[This building] holds a special place.”

 

In 2003, 35 years after he began working in the education field, Frederick–who at the time was Principal of North Penn High School–went into retirement.

 

It was after his retirement that he would face the biggest challenge of his life.

 

“I was one of those people that always counted myself very fortunate, because I didn’t have any real major medical issues. But after retiring, I became aware of the fact that I had cancer. It was called Burkitt’s Lymphoma, which is a rare form of lymphoma cancer,” said Frederick.

 

Receiving his diagnosis in May 2009, Frederick spent “a very long time in the University of Pennsylvania Hospital,” and today he has this to say: “It was quite a journey that, fortunately, for me I am proud to say–I am a survivor.”

 

“Each year when we have the Relay for Life here at North Penn High School, I participate and celebrate the support of medical personnel, a lot of prayers and thoughts and support from not only the North Penn High School community, but the community in general,” he added.

 

Retiring in 2003–after working almost entirely within the district since 1972–going through something as miraculous as beating cancer, and coming back to North Penn again, Frederick has seemingly seen it all. What does he think of all the changes at North Penn?

 

“The reality is, young people are the same. Personally, I think they are more knowledgeable. And more challenged in the sense that there are so many more opportunities out there. But there are still some basic things. Young people are great. I have always enjoyed the high school age, particularly. I think the opportunities for students are wide open. Probably the biggest thing that I am seeing in coming back for these few weeks is the whole technology side,” he said. “Certainly North Penn High School this year has a new electronic gadgetry policy. I agree with it–100%–in the sense of it is 2011 and we have grown to the point. I think the students are handling it wonderfully. And, it is just part of the times. The building is great. The staff and students, I have always enjoyed. And, I think we can move forward. That is part of the reason why I came back.”

 

Though back at North Penn on a substitute basis, Frederick is enjoying life during his retirement–and staying busy. He is the conductor of the Montgomery County Concert Band, a motorcycle rider, and a very happy grandfather.

 

“I have two grandsons that are eight and four. They are great. We have a great time together. Enjoying life,” he said.

 

Thank you for everything you’ve done for North Penn, Mr. Frederick. Keep on enjoying life.

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  • L

    Linda Derby CallahanNov 3, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    Wow, what a pleasant surprise to read about Steve Fredricks after all these many years. It brough back very fond days of 1981 to 83 Marching Band Championships with Bobby Hoffman (think that was his name). My daughter Trista, a silk , now 47 LOVED LOVED LOVED the band and looked forward to band camp and performances. Thanks for the memories!

    Reply
    • A

      adviserNov 3, 2011 at 2:16 pm

      Linda, thanks for the comment. You may enjoy this NPMK vintage footage from 1985: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8CxwIsFcxA

      Reply
      • L

        Linda Derby CallahanNov 3, 2011 at 5:13 pm

        Thank you so much for that nice clip. If you happen to have 81 to 83 on line I would love to see them. Thanks again.

        btw, I need to mention with the school board election coming up I decided to check this site out to read about the candidates. First and only time I have ever been here. What a wonderful job the students are doing with their reporting. How nice to feature a warm story about Gino the Broom Keeper. Really enjoyed all the articles posted. I bookmarked the Knight Crier. Thanks! Linda in Souderton

        Reply
  • T

    Tyler MalachowskiOct 27, 2011 at 11:57 am

    Thank You Mr. Frederick,
    without you, the marching knights would not have been what you have made them; the epitome of excellence and discipline.

    Reply
  • D

    Dr. HallOct 13, 2011 at 11:10 am

    We are so fortunate to have Mr. Frederick back again. He brings such optimism and energy to this building. So wonderful to see you in our halls again, Mr. Frederick.

    Reply