Bloomingdale losing principal to illness
A scholarship will help ensure that B.J. Stelter's legacy at the high school will not be forgotten.
By LETITIA STEIN
Published December 9, 2005
VALRICO - In a week, the principal's office at Bloomingdale High School will have a new occupant for the first time in 14 years.
Principal B.J. Stelter is retiring. She took the top job at Bloomingdale High in 1992 and developed it into one of the county's top programs.
She did it with a straight, all-business style. Not so much of that cooing, soft stuff.
She's staying tough now in the face of a difficult illness.
Stelter, 58, is struggling with hearing that comes and goes. Her balance is off. She says there are days when she staggers through the hallways, appearing tipsy.
She's not drinking. She can't pronounce the name of her medical condition.
"It's French," said Stelter of Meniere's disease, which is characterized by fluctuating vertigo and hearing loss. "It's a pretty nasty little bugger."
In 2000, she underwent surgery to have brain tumors removed. But now she's having to deal with the tumors again.
Stelter remains upbeat. She and her husband hope to travel after her health recovers. She wants to attend Bloomingdale High's graduation, as students have requested.
"I've assured them that I will be a part of everything that I possibly can, healthwise," she said.
The community won't forget Stelter's contributions.
The Bloomingdale Homeowners Association is creating an annual college scholarship in her name. It is starting the scholarship with $500 and hopes to grow the award with fundraising.
"She was always quietly there," said Ted Grable, president of the Bloomingdale Homeowners Association and the parent of three Bloomingdale High graduates. "She's done some really great things, and I think often without a lot of recognition from the community."
Looking back on her time as principal, Stelter proudly notes that Bloomingdale was the first high school in Hillsborough to earn an "A" under the state's school grading system.
It also won state recognition for its athletic programs.
"Bloomingdale High School is an excellent blend of both athletics and academics," she said.
She retires after 35 years in education in Hillsborough.
Stelter, who lives in Thonotosassa, began her career teaching special education at East Bay High. She moved into three assistant principal positions at Brandon High. She also served as principal at Mann, then a junior high school.
Her last day at Bloomingdale High is Dec. 16. The School Board is scheduled to name a new principal at its meeting on Tuesday.
Letitia Stein can be reached at 661-2443 or lstein@sptimes.com
IF YOU GOBloomingdale High will say goodbye to principal B.J. Stelter at a reception Wednesday from 4-5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Members of the school community are invited.