Mr. Homer F. Sharp, Sr

From 7-22-14

In life, many times we are so "busy" living that we don't take time to recognize some of the people who touch our lives in such meaningful ways. Later in life, we come to realize how they impacted our lives so much more than we were aware of at the time.

One of these such people was Mr. Homer F. Sharp, Sr. My first recollection of him came in the spring of 1957, as I was preparing to graduate from UGA with a degree in Education. As I had been involved in athletics all my life, it was only natural that I, upon finishing college, had a strong desire to coach high school athletes. My first interview for a coaching position brought me to Newton County High School in Covington, Ga. I entered Mr. Sharp's office with all the confidence and aplomb with one who is about to graduate from college is endowed. Mr. Sharp greeted me in his most gracious manner, treated me with much respect, and appeared to have confidence that I could perform the duties of the position of a teacher and basketball coach, because he gave me my first job based upon that interview. Of course, later I learned that I had not known quite as much as I thought I did at the time, (but he never let on that he knew I didn't). I learned many valuable lessons from this man, who was to be my "boss" for the next 16 years. One thing which stands out in my mind is the practice that he had of never talking to an upset or irate parent without first giving that person time to "cool off". He tried to make it a policy that he would not meet with them immediately after their arrival to his office, and usually by the time he saw them, they had realized that their child was probably wrong, and the teacher (or administrator) did deserve the backing of the parent. Mr. Sharp was one of the best "school men" for whom to work. No, rather I should say, "WITH" whom to work! He always made you feel that he was right along with you, rather than above you. He was highly respected by all his faculty members and, although everyone knew that he was "the boss", because of his relationship with his faculty, he was able to surround himself with high caliber people. Students have never had a more kind & loving principal than Mr. Sharp. They always knew him to be fair and just, and always ready with an understanding ear. When some breach of conduct occurred, they knew they could count on deserved punishment, but they also knew the it would be meted out with love and concern. By the time I became a part of the Newton County High School staff, in the fall of 1957, it was obvious that the community had learned to pull together in the support of their high school. School spirit was good and NCHS was highly respected in all areas. Basketball was gaining in popularity, and in 1959, the Rams were beginning to establish themselves as a power. By the mid-60's the newspapers were full of the Beatles, the hippies, Vietnam Nam,--& the Newton County Rams. During this time, basketball fever was at an all-time high, & Mr. Sharp was having difficulty in keeping everyone happy as each basketball game was a sellout, with the doors being locked and chained before game-time, because of the tremendous crowds. He was met with severe pressure and criticism from the home fans, the fire marshals, the opposing fans, & even Mrs. Sharp, who thought everyone had "gone crazy". One of the favorite recollections of the State Championship team of 1964, came after the Region Championship game in Hartwell, when Mr. Sharp donned a "Beatle wig" in celebration of the championship! The boys knew then that he was really one of them, and loved it with them, instead of just "putting up with" them and their success. He always had time for youngsters, and was always ready to show off to them his horses, barn, and his prized chickens. They loved it (& so did he)! One day our son, Brad (then about 3 years old), ran up to Mr. Sharp at church & said, "Hi Mr. Sharp! How's Mrs. Sharp--& the chickens??" Thank goodness, he asked about Mrs. Sharp before he asked about the chickens! The life & examples set forth by this man have had a profound effect on the lives of many, many young people through the years. I wish that today's students could have the experience of having known Mr. Sharp as a principal and friend, and that today's teachers could have had the benefit of his wisdom!