PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES AND AWARDS: Began teaching social studies in 1974 at Riley and Washington high schools after a year with Youth Service Bureau and Upward Bound. Guidance counselor at Washington 1980-82 and head football coach; assistant principal at Riley 1982-1989, principal since 1989. Received community service award from Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity; Role Model of the Year award from LPM, Inc.; Louis Ingelhart Award as High School Journalism Advocate from Indiana High School Press Association, and outstanding service awards from the City of South Bend, Wabash Consistory of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, Indiana Black Expo, and Solidarity Day. Teacher of the Year at Washington High School. On boards of Family and Children's Center, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and Boys Club.

PERSONAL: Wife, Jeanette. Children: Two daughters.

EXCERPTS from comments by colleagues: George McCullough's daily contact with young men and women of the inner city at South Bend's largest high school helps them shape their lives with positive goals and ideals. He never hides in his office. He doesn't need an "open door" policy because he is always in the halls, in the gym, in the classrooms -- ready to listen. His professional appearance and his pride in the school helps students grasp his concept that education develops self-respect.

His innovative "alternative school within the school" allows students to earn "credit redemption," and is pending in all five high schools. His "Parent University" brings parents together for mini-workshops with motivational speakers and with community specialists in social services and higher education. It's a strong focus on his students.