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And now the high school's long-time 21-year principal is retiring after spending 37 years in the district. During her career in Dryden Fox has been a teacher, coach, athletic director, acting superintendent, and principal.

Fox's last day as principal was Tuesday. She said Monday she did not have any immediate plans in her retirement and hadn't yet given it much thought as she packed up her personal belongings.

"My favorite memories are the kids. It's fun to watch them grow," Fox said.

Fox, 59, earned her bachelor of science degree at Central Michigan University and did graduate work at Wayne State University. She retired last year and contracted back this year as temporary school staff.

While Fox may no longer be in a Dryden classroom, her love of education and passion to see Dryden students achieve their dreams, a scholarship will be administered in her name.

Superintendent Tom Goulette said Fox is a "humble" person and the scholarship is one way to promote education -- something she is passionate about.

"The community wanted to come up with a scholarship in her name," Goulette said. "I know she will enjoy that legacy. Ruth will be missed incredibly. She's been a great help to me."

Board of Education President Glenn Hojnacki said Fox will be irreplaceable at the Cardinal-mascot school. "I think the last 20 years -- she was Dryden High School. She ruled it was an iron fist," he said and added Fox was frequently seen in the community. "She was always at every school event and was at games all over the Thumb. She was very much into the kids."

A resolution commemorating Fox and her service to the Dryden district was read at Dryden High School's graduation ceremony. It was signed by State Rep. John Stahl (R-Arcadia Township), State Sen. Judd Gilbert (R-Algonac), and Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The resolution said: "In her work at Dryden High School, she has built self confidence in thousands of youngsters by instilling the life-long skills necessary to them to become capable and upstanding citizens...We thank Principal Fox for passing this legacy on to our rising generations."

Fox said the biggest change she's seen in her career is the state's educational requirements. She said it's more stringent now.

She grew up in Oakland County's Addison Township.

"I didn't know what I wanted to do. One of my brothers was adamant about me getting an education and I liked sports," Fox said, and added Dryden was far more rural than it is now when she first started in the district.

To donate to the Ruth Fox Scholarship Fund at Dryden High School send funds to Mickey Webb in the superintendent's office, 3886 Rochester Road, Dryden, Mich. 48428. It's not yet known what the value of the scholarship will be. For more information on the scholarship, call (810) 796-9534.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.