Long-time, beloved Auburn High School principal passes away

Published 11:11 am Tuesday, June 7, 2016

For the Reporter

Students who graduated from Auburn High between 1974 and 1992 knew Archie McCallum. And McCallum knew them.

He had a smile and a joke for the athletes, the musicians, the student council members and yes, even the trouble makers.

McCallum passed away June 2 after battling a long illness. He will be remembered at a service at 2 p.m., June 18 at the Church of God in Lacey.

McCallum was an assistant principal at Auburn High from 1974 until 1978 when he became the principal. He was the principal for 14 years, until his retirement in 1992.

Tim Carstens, principal of Ilalko Elementary, was a student at Auburn High when McCallum was principal.

“We had more than 2,000 students at Auburn High. He made sure kids knew him and he understood how important it was to build relationships,” Carstens said.

Jim Fugate was the Auburn School District superintendent during McCallum’s tenure at Auburn High.

“Mr. McCallum’s strengths were in his commitment to all of the educational programs and services at Auburn High. He was truly an outstanding principal,” Fugate said.