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HERBERT GLENN IMEL Herbert Imel was the first principal appointed in 1929 after Riley became a Junior -Senior High school. Under Imel's direction and guidance the Riley Junior and Senior high school flourished. Significant strides made by the school during Imel's position as principal included the school's becoming a member of the North Central Association, on the honor list of high schools in the state. Being a member of this association allowed Riley graduates to enter the Colleges and Universities that belonged to this association and other associations affiliated with it. In addition, during the second semester of the school year of 1930-31, the graduating senior class was given a permanent commission from the state Department of Education as a six year high school (grades seven to twelve). Also under Imel's direction, the school and student body started a year book entitled Hoosier Poet, the first issue of which was published in 1930. The first issue of the Hoosier Poet was dedicated to the James Whitcomb Riley Junior and Senior High school which, in the words of its editors, was "in ... times past and ... today serving to inspire its students to greater achievements and nobler service to society."[17] Riley's first high school class graduated in June, 1931 with one hundred students receiving degrees; in January, 1932 the school graduated the second class, consisting of fifty eight students. The graduates' during Imel's office as principal were considered quite successful and many entered various colleges and Universities in Indiana and other states. Some attended nursing schools, others business colleges, and some were engaged in other "gainful occupations." Because of the high standards of the honor roll, Riley students were eligible to apply for numerous scholarships, including the Austin scholarship in Business Administration at Northwestern, worth $4,150, the Bryan scholarship, open to Boy Scouts "of exceptional merit," the Grain Dealers Association Award in Commerce, the Rector Scholarship at DePauw University and the Emily Jane Culver Award.[18] Imel's assignment in Riley gave him the best opportunity of his career to use his talents as an educator. imel was considered well qualified to fill the position of principal. He received his degrees from Indiana University and obtained training at Harvard and Columbia Universities. His B.A. degree was awarded in 1914 and his M. A. in 1916. He started his teaching career in a rural school in Shelby County in 1899 and in 1902 became principal of a township high school there. In 1903 he came to South Bend to be Superintendent of Schools in the town of River Park, later incorporated into South Bend. in 1909 he was appointed principal of the Studebaker School. From March 1 to August 1, 1919, he was acting Superintendent of Schools of South Bend. From 1922-1927 he was principal at Oliver School. From 1928 to 1929 he was principal of the Washington Junior High School. Because of his wide range of experience and his ability to organize the curriculum at the junior and senior high school level he was appointed principal of Riley.[19] 5