Retiring superintendent to apply lessons as Boy Scouts chairman

Tom Rushin's vocabulary includes words such as "team," "commitment" and "perseverance."

Rushin has learned to incorporate the definition of these words into his life, and now he hopes to pass on those lesson to Yuma's youth as a district chairman for the Boy Scouts.

Rushin is the superintendent for Yuma Elementary School District 1, but is planning to retire in June after 41 years of service to the district.

"I don't know what I will do after retirement," said Rushin. "But I will know there will be a few hours a week that are tied up for Boy Scouts."

Rushin, who was born and raised in Yuma, describes his upbringing as a traditional one with two sisters and his mother and father. We "always ate dinner together. Our meals were for a time of sharing," said Rushin. "Family has always been important to me."

He describes his relationship with his father as an especially strong one. "My father called me partner and I called him partner. I really worshiped the ground the man walked on. He was a strong person," said Rushin.

Around the age of 8, Rushin joined the Boy Scouts.

"Boy Scouts are built on a strong set of values, and (the Scouts) learn how to gain confidence in themselves. And (in) their own abilities as well as learning the value of team work. That is absolutely critical in today's world."

The Boy Scout values were critical to Rushin when he suffered a loss that he still feels strongly today.

Before entering high school Rushin's father passed away and it was his relationships with the other Scouts and his leaders, along with his family and friends, that helped him deal with his loss, he said.

"We are presented with difficulties that help define our character," said Rushin.

Rushin left the Boys Scouts around the age of 13, he said, as he was acquiring a love for music that began occupy his free time. After completing high school, he left Yuma for college and paid his way by playing the drums and working in cantaloupe sheds in the summer and then attending school in the winter.

Eventually he earned multiple degrees from Northern Arizona University in social studies, political science and art and education. His educational career began when he taught ceramics, jewelry and bronze sculpting at NAU.

He came back to Yuma when he heard that a teaching job as an artist had opened up. Rushin went on to take other positions in education, including coach, principal and finally school superintendent.

He describes his career like a winding road, saying that he always has a goal in mind but that he may go in other directions before he reaches it.

Rushin, who will soon become the Ocotillo District chairman for the Boy Scouts, says his position as "chairman (is to) try to provide and garner support in the community. To provide better opportunities for the Scouts, and to help develop leadership and be an advocate for Scouts."

Rushin said he agreed to take the position because "it allows me to stay connected to the youth." He also says he enjoys "seeing the Scouts enjoying themselves and enjoying the process of learning. It's a rush to see people working together. I hope to provide my years of experience."

He added, "Life is a journey and it should be enjoyed."

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STATS AND FACTS

Name: Tom Rushin

Birthplace:  Yuma

Occupation: School superintendent

Marital status: Married for 42 years

Children: Two daughters and a son

Pets: Two tortoises

Political affiliation: Prefer not to say.

Favorite thing to eat: Steak and potatoes.

Favorite local restaurant: La Casa Gutierrez

Favorite midnight snack: No snacks at midnight.

Favorite movie: "Walk the Line"

Favorite TV show: Televised coverage of the Indianapolis 500 car race

Biggest pet peeve: People who don't focus on the positive

If the world was ending tomorrow, what I'd do today: Hug all the people who have made my life incredible.

Most unusual or interesting skill: Working with people

If my life had a theme song it would be: Something upbeat

If they make a movie about me I'll be played by: Director's choice

Favorite weekend getaway: Working in the pits of any race track in the world

Favorite vacation spot so far: Alaska

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Jennifer Lovell can be reached at jlovell@yumasun.com or 539-6849.