APS Welcomes New Principal
Launch the media gallery 1 playerHello, my name is Larry Geist and I am the new principal at Axtell Public School. I’m very excited to be a part of the Eagle Nation and to have the opportunity to serve as your principal. This will be my 26th year as a building principal. I have been an administrator in schools from the size of Axtell all the way to 786 students in a Wichita Catholic School. I have to admit, I really love being in a smaller school like Axtell where I have a better opportunity to get to know each and every student as well as members of the communities that make up APS.
I have been very happily married for over 34 years to my wife Lori who teaches pre-school in Junction City. Lori and I have two grown children, Luke & Lyndsey, who have blessed us with seven amazing grandchildren ranging in ages from 16 to 4 months. Our son Luke served in the Marines for four years before becoming a rural mail carrier in Holton. Luke, his wife Laura, and their three children live in Soldier. Our daughter Lyndsey lives in Clay Center along with her husband Logan and their four children where she is the junior high counselor.
My most recent schools I have served as principal include Parsons Middle School for the last two years Andy, previously, at Hanover for three years. I am thrilled to be closer to my family so I can be more active within their lives. After God, my family comes first; and they mean the world to my wife and me. I received my bachelor’s degree from Marymount College in Salina and taught band and vocal music for nine years before becoming a principal. I received my master’s degree from Kansas State University. This last August, I began to pursue a goal I have had for a very long time, earning my doctorate degree. I began online courses through Pittsburg State University and continue to take classes. My hope is to earn my Specialist in Education Degree at the end of next summer and earn my PhD the following summer.
Education has always been very important to me, although my former teachers will tell you I was never a great student. I believe we should never stop learning; I hope my pursuit of an advanced degree at my age will be a positive example for my students and teachers. I look forward to the coming school year and hope it will be a positive experience for all, as I have the great fortune to serve this coming year.