David Thaden

I joined Dave Thaden when we opened East Chapel Hill High School. He was the best principal I ever worked with and the strongest memory I have of working at East is how much the students loved Dave Thaden as did the faculty and staff! I learned so much from Dave and will always revere him! Rest in Peace, Dave!

Dear Dave Thaden, Thank you for your enduring spirit that you left for us to keep. Our Kelly so benefitted from your time at East Chapel Hill High. Thank you.

I was a student in his first year of teaching—if my info is accurate after all these years. I would describe him as Enthusiastic, Encouraging, Understanding— Some people have a gift, and he was certainly one of them. I’m grateful to have crossed pathways in 79-80 in 7th grade. Dave T was an incredible educator at GBH jr high! RIP -

I was in Mr. Thaden's first year of teaching at Phillip's Junior High. We always remember the better teachers. He was young, energetic, serious about schooling, and offbeat. And he taught us more than just English. After the "Desert One" accident in 1980, Mr Thaden talked not about the immediate causes of the crash but
explained to us the decline of American quality and hard work. One day he had trouble getting to school on time due to his old, beat up car needing repairs. He told us,...

Dave Thaden was a wonderful teacher and administrator and a great person. I remember that while he was administrator he created time to teach one period a day to make sure he would know what teachers and students were experiencing. I'm sorry he passed away at such a young age. Sincerely, Loren Hintz, CHHS

Mr. Thaden,
You made the four years you saw our class through at CHHS what it was. High school was tough but your constant touching base in the hallways, support with hard classes and smiles made it that much better. Now as an educator, I try to replicate what you modeled to the best I can. Class of 1995. AJM