A farm boy from Northern Iowa, Terry Hogenson enjoys the simple things in life. Before adulthood, he worked on his father’s farm and helped with the day-to-day tasks that come with being a farmer. Plowing the fields, feeding the pigs, and shoveling the manure is incomparable to the life he holds today.

“I had no intention of entering the field of education,” said Terry Hogenson when asked about what his life was like before his exploration of education. 

Mr. Hogenson began his teaching career in Mason City, Iowa where he was an elementary school teacher. He then started exploring the idea of being an administrator. Mr. Hogenson completed a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Drake University. He then began his administrator career at McKinley Elementary and then really found his home at Central Middle School for 16 years, but his journey did not stop there when he was called to serve as the Principal at the high school. 

Mr. Hogenson is excited for the new principal and his retirement because “I never saw myself as the final piece,” said Mr. Hogenson. 

Mr. Hogenson hopes that Mr. Castle will continue to work towards some of the personal goals that he had of being hands-on and involved with students. 

“I want the new person to continue with the culture we have here at Muscatine. I want someone who is engaged with the students,” explained Terry Hogenson. 

Mr. Hogenson believes the way to stay engaged with students is through connections. 

“Students will work their tail off for someone they care about,” said Mr. Hogenson. 

His words echo the sentiments provided by other educators when it came time to pick a new principal. One of the qualities listed time and time again was engagement with the students and staff.  

“I am hoping that the new principal will connect with students and with staff that promotes a positive culture in the high school,” said Mr. Hogenson. 

This past school year, during Mr. Hogenson’s last year, he made it a priority to encourage school culture that promotes what he dubbed to be “Memorable Muskie Moments.” This initiative was meant to encourage students and staff to be engaged and make a purposeful effort towards creating these for one another. Hogenson desires these moments for Muskies, because he knows that Muskies are full of great qualities deserving of these memories and moments. 

“Muskies are accepting of other cultures and beliefs. Muskies take pride in who they are as students and as representatives of the school. Muskies do things the right way, even when no one is looking. They wear the purple and gold with pride and manage themselves in front of others with dignity. Being a Muskie means believing in oneself and trusting in others. Muskies strive to be the best they can be each and every day,” shared Mr. Hogenson.

He’s an introvert in his personal life, but his career as a public figure required him to be extroverted. Tackling challenges comes with the job, but Mr. Hogenson is proud of the job he has done as principal. 

“Our great students come in here everyday just trying to do the right thing,” stated Mr. Hogenson. 

Terry Hogenson doesn’t lead the most lavish life. He doesn’t plan to sail on yachts or splurge on a fancy car. But, he does plan to leave Muscatine High School on a positive note - elated to have been a part of many student’s journeys and stories.

“However the battles have been fought behind the scenes with students, they have stepped up in a way that’s going to make them more successful,” said Terry Hogenson. 

Deep thoughts aside, Terry Hogenson wants to connect with his roots. When asked how he plans to celebrate this new stage in his life he admitted, “I have nothing extravagant planned for after retirement.” 

Mr. Hogenson and his family are planning to move back to Northeast Iowa where he will continue to spend time towards what’s most important to him: his wife and his children. As he moves away and starts a new journey, his presence through the halls of MHS will be missed, but the impact he made will always be remembered.

“You are my memories, and I am grateful for each and every one of you,” said Hogenson.