Program planned today for retiring Central principal

Community members will get a chance to thank Dr. Mike Cowan in person tonight.

A program and reception are being held for Cowan, who is retiring after 14 years as principal of Cape Girardeau Central High School.

Julia Jorgensen, one of the event's organizers, said the event was initiated by Lisa Limbaugh and Mike and Betsey Dumey, because they recognized many people would like an opportunity to thank Cowan personally and wish him well.

"In a community this size, the public high-school principal can make a big impact on the community if the job is done well," Jorgensen said. "And so for that reason, we knew that many people would want to say 'thank you' (and) 'happy retirement,' but how could that happen? ... So this is going to afford those people that want to say, 'thank you' and 'best wishes' that opportunity."

The program begins at 7:30 p.m. at Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Jorgensen said there will be several speakers, a slideshow and a performance by a choir under the direction of Mike Dumey. Anyone who has participated in the school's choirs during Cowan's 14-year tenure is invited to sing in the choir; they are asked to arrive for rehearsal at 6 p.m.

The program will end with the alma mater.

"A reception will follow so people can personally shake his hand and say, 'thank you' in person," Jorgensen said. "And then we have several other surprises that I think those in attendance will find delightful."

kwebster@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

2935 Lynwood Hills Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701