Educating for Eternity
Mikala James and Tamara Michalenko Terry
After nearly half a century of work in Seventh-day Adventist education, John Hopps, Texas Conference Education Superintendent, officially retired in May 2019.
John worked tirelessly to support teachers and to create the best educational opportunities for students. He treasures the genuine relationships he took care to nurture.
John started his teaching career as a math and science teacher at San Antonio Junior Academy.
Several of his students came from abusive homes while others lived in non-Christian homes. It became evident to John quickly that, in order to be effective in the classroom, he must build a caring relationship with his students and show them an example of what Christianity is meant to look like.
“Even though they may reject the church, if they have an adult who’s fair and exemplifies Christian behavior then it can make all the difference,” said John.
After three years, John moved back to his hometown in Keene, Texas. There he worked as a teacher at Keene Adventist Elementary School for three years and at Chisholm Trail Academy for two years.
John’s next adventure took him to Hood View Junior Academy in Oregon where he became the principal. This was completely new territory for the Texas-born teacher. At the very start of the school year, the chairman of the board hosted a corn roast for the entire school. When the students gathered to play hide-and-seek, John decided that he, too, should join in.
“I ran off to hide in an old logging truck,” John said. “It was pitch black. I just sat there while all the kids went out hiding.”
Before long, two students climbed into the other side of the vehicle. In the dark, they couldn’t see John. They began to whisper, “What do you think . about the new principal?” Just then, John spoke up in his best Texan accent, “How y’all doing?” It startled the students so much that they fell out of the cab and ran into the woods. “They were always a little leery about where I might show up after that,” laughed John.
After six years in Oregon, John moved back to Texas to work at Killeen Adventist Junior Academy for several years. He later took a job at Burton Adventist Academy (BAA), first as a teacher and then as principal.
John always remembered the importance of student connection from his time in San Antonio and worked hard to get to know the students at each school where he worked.
“Even though they may gripe at you, kids want to know that you have an interest in what is going on in their lives,” shared John. “They want to have a sense of equal treatment and fairness, and they want to have a mentor that they may not have at home.”
Students often visited with John in his office just to talk. As principal, he always made a point to cover study hall, and often spent the entire period listening to students share stories. This philosophy also applied to John’s relationships with his teachers; he made it a priority to advocate for the teachers and to wholeheartedly support them.
In 2003, John became an Associate Superintendent at the Texas Conference, before being promoted to Education Superintendent 11 years later. Although no longer in a classroom, he still made it a point to build supportive relationships with the schools, teachers, and even students, when possible.
“No one in my career has had a greater positive influence on me than John,” said Tommy Simons, Chisholm Trail Academy Principal. “As my Principal for 15 years and Superintendent or Associate Superintendent for 16, John was the perfect mentor and boss. No one loves their students and teachers like John.”
“I had the privilege of working with Mr. Hopps for more than a decade,” said Darlene White, current BAA Principal. “The level of confidence that he gave me with his support and advice is unmeasurable.”
“John always exhibited a consistent passion for Adventist education and educators,” said Randy Gilliam, former BAA Elementary Principal with John as well as former Vice President for Education for the Southwestern Union Conference among other positions, said. “A crusader for students not found in the mainstream! Working together made us colleagues, but respect for each other made us friends.
Marvella Beyer, wife of now deceased Texas Conference Education Superintendent Darrell Beyer, fondly remembers John’s “delightful sense of humor” as she drove her husband to his events. “He always had a story to tell no matter the occasion.” She appreciated how John “was always willing to carry his share of responsibility. He made sure at meetings and Outdoor School that the conference truck was loaded with all the supplies that were necessary.” She really treasured his dependability and perceptiveness for what needed to be done. “Dr. Beyer used to say that John could see through a problem almost before it arose!”
“Hopps is a very easy and natural leader to follow,” said Travis Simpson, who has known John for 32 years as a student and afterward when Travis became a teacher. “Through it all, it was clear he cared for you on a personal level which made you want to do your best for him in return. He had a pragmatic way of cutting through the nonsense to the heart of the issue, while leaving your integrity intact. His comic relief helped bring sanity to us all throughout the years.”
“John’s heart has always been with Adventist education,” shared Ellen Thomas, Texas Conference Associate Education Superintendent, who has worked with him for about 20 years. “He believes in it with every fiber of his being. He believes it is the truest form of evangelism. He preaches that to us all the time. During his time at BAA, he was adamant about finding money for any student wanting to be at the school.”
“We talk a lot about evangelizing the world, and that’s important,” John concludes, “but if we don’t do it with our own kids then we’ve got a problem. That is the importance of Adventist education.”
Danielle Bunkley, Texas Conference Education Administrative Assistant, has worked with John for 15 years both as a teacher and in the conference office. Almost 10 years ago, she started a tradition of writing poems to honor people. Here is the one she wrote about John:
Strong
Determined
Standing for a cause
Gentle
Humorous
Storyteller for all
Wise
Knowing
Family strong
Adventist
Educator
Evangelism’s highest call
Bible
Philosopher
Prayer warrior, too
Retiring
Superintendent
Our prayers go with you
In retirement, John looks forward to teaching and learning from his grandchildren. He will probably share a story or two interspersed with a humorous anecdote. While he will be missed from day-to-day work and board meetings, his legacy, and passion for Adventist education, will, no doubt, continue.
Photo by Aaron Thomas
This article originally appeared in THE FLAME Summer 2019. Click here to view the full issue.
Additional comments
“John enjoys a good story whether telling it or hearing it. I have great memories of working with him.” –Bonnie Eder, Former Texas Conference Education Superintendent
“Throughout his career Mr. Hopps has always brought a sense of measured calmness and stability. As a student of his at Burton Adventist Academy in Arlington, Texas, and later as a teacher during his years as Education Superintendent, I have further grown to appreciate and admire his heart for service and lifelong commitment to Adventist education.” –Aaron Long, Burton Adventist Academy Junior High Vice Principal
“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with John. He has been a great mentor, leader and friend. Thanks for always being there to share invaluable words of wisdom, encouragement and support thought out the years. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement. You will be greatly missed.” –Melonie Wolfe, North Dallas Adventist Academy Extension Program Principal
“Shirley and I remember meeting John at Burton way back in ’98. He was amazing back then and has become even a greater mentor, friend, Christlike example. Truly a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Throughout the past years we have enjoyed his wisdom and humor. God led us to Texas and John’s leadership has been outstanding.” –Tom Kennedy, teacher
“Mr. Hopps’ vast amount of knowledge and experience has provided me with direction and encouragement that is unparalleled. He will be greatly missed by principals in the Texas Conference. I have appreciated his years of untiring service.” –Darlene, Burton Adventist Academy Principal
John. I never had you as a teacher or principle. As a parent of some of your students I very much appreciate the positive influence you had on my kids. I also appreciate that you understood when discipline was necessary and when it was ok to let kids be kids and that you had a sense of humor. I am sure that is partly responsible for all of my kids success in life. I wish you much happiness in your retirement.