ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Paul Hollingsworth is finally leaving Robertsdale High. In fact, by the time you read this, he will have said “goodbye” to his last graduating class, the Class of 2009.

“I’ve told the seniors that I will be part of their class, that I am graduating with them,” Hollingsworth said, seated in his office at the school.

“He’s the heart of the school, he’s going to be missed,” said Theresa Bryant, the school’s principal.

Hollingsworth, an educator for the past 39 years, will be retiring in June. He’s probably best known as an assistant principal of Robertsdale High, and for his infectious “Go Bears” tag line. It’s something he says often, in school and at Robertsdale City Council meetings. Hollingsworth serves as a member of the council.

After his years in school, his plans are to relax, and become involved in more city events. He also plans to spend some of his extra time at the family farm in Atmore where he raises corn, wheat and soybeans.

He will take with him some precious memories.

“My favorite memory is standing in front of the student body and say, ‘1,2,3, GO BEARS.’ That’s the sweetest sound, and I think they are just a bit louder when I ask them to do it,” said Hollingsworth with a chuckle.

That’s not surprising. Hollingsworth’s devotion to all things “Bears” is well known. A bookshelf in his office is covered with all sorts of toy bears.

Hollingsworth began his career in education in 1970 as a teacher and a basketball and track coach at what was then Summerdale Junior High (Now Summerdale Middle School). He eventually became principal of the school. He’s also served as coach to a couple of RHS teams over the years.

“In 1983, I came to Robertsdale High,” said Hollingsworth. He came to the school as the assistant principal and served as principal for a time. He was also the principal of the “Night School” program, a program that allowed adults and students to make up classes and earn their high school diplomas.

“It made me so proud,” recalled Hollingsworth, “there was a 52-year-old lady who got her diploma.”

He explained that that student had some difficulty passing in her senior year, had intended to come back, but work and family obligations got in the way. She returned to earn her diploma after her own children were grown. The “Night School” program was discontinued in 2008, and was one of the reasons why Hollingsworth decided to retire at this time.

In addition to his academic duties, Hollingsworth has been the school’s “disciplinarian.” It’s a job the affable Hollingsworth says “was not too hard.”

“The kids are still very respectful,” said Hollingsworth. “But there are so many outside forces, they are bombarded with so much information, that has affected their education.”

Still, Hollingsworth finds students “Just as fun and great to be around,” as when he first started teaching.

“I am going to miss the kids like anything,” said Hollingsworth. “I love coming to school and seeing all the different personalities.”

He says students have been telling him, “I wish you wouldn’t go,” and “You have to stay ’til I graduate.”

The most difficult part of his tenure has been “the tragedies,” he says.

“There are the deaths, and people getting hurt,” he said. “You try to get the students to work through those.”

And he’s said more than a few have, “cried on my shoulders.”

“I had a student come in and give me a note,” said Hollingsworth. “We hugged and shared a tear. Those things make it special working here. I have ben fortunate to work here. We have such great communities.”