Hollis Thoms, principal of the Lutheran School of the Foothills, La Crescenta, California, was selected as one of about 100 principals from around the country and the world to participate in a seminar, “Leadership: An Evolving Vision”, at Harvard University Graduate School of Education’s Principal Center. The seminar was held July 8-18, 2001, at Harvard University and focused on a number of educational topics such as inclusion, experiential learning, standard-based education, gender, racism, communication, professional writing and leadership skills.

He was the only Lutheran principal from the United States, though there were two Lutheran principals from Australia who also attended. Principals were selected by essay and application and represented a cross section of public, private and parochial schools from around the country and the world. Participants attended plenary sessions given by members of the Harvard University Graduate School of Education Faculty, read a variety of articles and books, and participated in small group discussions.

In addition, Mt. Thoms was able to attend a special reception at the JFK Presidential Library and a reception at the Harvard Faculty Club, where he was able to hear the Dean of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education talk about Harvard’s unique role in world education.

Hollis Thoms has been the recipient of a number of grants and fellowships, including a Colorado Department of Education grant, 1980, to write a children’s opera based on Aesop’s Fables, a prestigious year-long Joseph Klingenstein Fellowship to Columbia University, 1982—1983, an Alden B. Dow Creativity Fellowship, Summer 1985, and was a Fulbright Exchange Teacher to Scotland, 1986—1987.

Those persons interested in learning more about the Harvard experience may e-mail Mr. Thoms at hjthoms@aol.com or call him at 818-244-8379/248-4141.

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