The Warner Robins High School community is mourning the loss of its principal, Steve Monday, according to school board member Fred Wilson.
He reportedly suffered from some longtime health problems.
Monday wasn't just principal at Warner Robins High, he was a longtime member of the Demons family and a 1984 graduate of the school.
He was named principal in 2005 and two years later was named a Georgia Distinguished Principal.
He was also a member of the school's 1981 state championship football team.
Monday began his career teaching and coaching soccer at Tabor Middle School and then Houston County High School, before returning to his alma mater.
Deputy Superintendent, Cindy Flesher released statement Tuesday afternoon:
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Mr. Steve Monday, a long-time member of our school system family. Mr. Monday worked for our district for 25+ years and was also a graduate of Warner Robins High as a member of the Class of 1984. He was pleased to return to his alma mater in a leadership role to include serving as principal since 2004. This is a great loss to our community and district and especially to his school, Warner Robins High. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Wilson, the Chairman of the board, says when he heard about the loss of Monday, he was devastated.
"It's just heartbreaking to us," he says. "It's just hard to deal with right now, really."
Wilson's son and Monday went to high school together, so Wilson knew him since Monday was a student.
"Steve was a great Demon-- always has been and always will be," Wilson says.
"One of his famous sayings I'll never forget is 'where tradition never graduates.' He'd say 'welcome to Warner Robins High School' or 'welcome to Demon Country, where tradition never graduates.'"
Wilson says he will always remember Monday, not just as a great educator, but a great person.