Columbia, NY – John Sawchuk, a beloved educator and former principal of Columbia High School, passed away unexpectedly on September 27, 2024.
His passing has deeply affected the community, with many remembering his years of dedication and service to the school and its students.
Sawchuk began his career at Columbia in 1999, serving as principal from 2006 until his retirement in 2018.
During his tenure, Sawchuk introduced several innovative programs, including the Columbia Alternate Program, JumpStart, and the Centre for Therapeutic Academic Excellence, all designed to help students thrive in supportive environments.
His notable achievement was creating Operation Graduation, a program aimed at assisting 12th graders who were at risk of not graduating.
One of the most defining moments of his career came in 2004 when he heroically stopped a potential school shooting by tackling a student who was armed with a shotgun, preventing further harm.
After his retirement in 2018, Sawchuk and his wife, Kathy, relocated to North Carolina.
Tributes and condolences have poured in from former colleagues, students, and community members, all remembering Sawchuk as a devoted leader who was passionate about making a difference in the lives of his students.
Sawchuk’s legacy continues to impact the Columbia High School community, with many of the programs he implemented still thriving today.