Friend- Outstanding Contribution

The contributions of Mr. Blair started in 1965, when he took a position in the Atlanta School District.  In 1966, Douglas was instrumental in the formation of the Olympia School District.  For the next five years, Mr. Blair spent his time rallying supporters, convincing doubters, fighting naysayers, and in and out of the Supreme Court so that Olympia could come to realization.  Douglas worked closely with the State Board of Education and Illinois State University developing curriculum, courses, and programming that would be innovative, creative, and of higher quality than the wealthiest of city schools. As the first Superintendent of Olympia School District, he was the driving force behind the development of Olympia High School, which opened its doors in August 1972.  The consolidation of eight small communities gave students an opportunity to attend a larger high school.  Olympia High School then had the resources to expose students to a college prep curriculum for the first time in history.  This also made it possible to offer students a greater variety of sports, clubs, and activities.  For the first time Olympia School District had a high school football team, wrestling team, swim team, and multiple levels of baseball and basketball.  The consolidation also benefited extra-curricular activities at the elementary and middle school levels.  Students now had the opportunity to participate in competitive basketball, baseball, and track.  While elementary students could compete in music contests, science fairs, literary festivals, and other special programs.  Douglas dedicated his life to education with over 55 years of service and he made an everlasting impact on students in the Olympia School District.