MacRae Shannon

Teacher/Administrator 1935-1965 MacRae Shannon, for whom the 1966 addition on the south side of Ottawa Township High School was named (700, 800, and 900 floors), served OTHS as a teacher and administrator from 1935 to 1965, serving as Superintendent since 1948. He was widely known in area, state, and national educational circles. Among other appointments, he served on the state legislative committee of the Illinois Education Association, working principally on school finance. Shannon emphasized the concept of the comprehensive high school, which allows every student regardless of his or her ability to develop it to the fullest extent. He repeatedly expressed the view that “a school is only as good as its weakest link,” devoting his energies accordingly. He planned for the future and actively researched and recruited staff to fill anticipated vacancies. He was committed to a diverse, well educated, and professional faculty to lead the students of OTHS. He expected excellence in all aspects of education, academic, fine arts, vocational, and athletics. During his tenure as Superintendent he presided over a period of extraordinary success at the school. Prior to his role in administration he served OTHS students as an English, Journalism, and History instructor for 11 years. He left the school for 3 years during World War II where he served is country in the U.S. Navy in intelligence and communications, and later in the Pacific on the staff of Admiral Harry Hill.