About David Bailey

David Bailey began his career at Lincoln High School. In the fall of 1968, he assumed responsibility for the Cross Country team, the Cardinal Times, and his Classroom. Throughout his 50 years at Lincoln, his commitment and performance remained a torchlight in our community. The transformation of teenagers into young men and women energized him as he shaped their mettle with his own in Leadership, Scholarship, Citizenship and Sportsmanship.

When David Bailey communicated with a Cardinal, he was nearly always clear and direct; it was his intent that kept us guessing. He could have been giving you his own opinion or simply reporting, illustrating, or observing. Just as often, he was affording you your own opportunity to learn by ruminating over his words. If you heard only the content of his advice, you likely missed his point, or at least part of it. There was almost always something more there for you.

While working at Lincoln, he was known to inspire you, push you, and then celebrate you. Ask his past students or runners. Both as a teacher and as a coach, Mr. Bailey was tough, and he was fair, and he was watching every detail; he believed in second chances, even third or fourth as long as you were trying hard. If you were caught squandering your talent though, you would hear about it. Before he laid it on you, your rebuke would have been honed to a sharp edge on the brutal stone of honesty. You'd feel it and you'd remember it. What he wanted was your best. What he knew is that our best comes from deep within us.

Now retired, Mr. Bailey continues to recognize that education is a team sport. Parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, and other mentors are all critical players, and every successful young man or woman is a hard-fought win. His wins are in the thousands; there are no ties, and he doesn't count losses. Remember, he believes in second chances, even after a Cardinal leaves the nest.