Principal Sings “I Will Always Love You” To Say Goodbye To Students

Principal Sings “I Will Always Love You” To Say Goodbye To Students

Courageous is just one adjective that can be used to describe the principal who sang the perennial classic “I Will Always Love You” to say goodbye to his graduating seniors. Principal Marcus Gause’s performance was also very heartwarming.


T. Wingate Andrews High School is a public magnet school in High Point, NC that prepares students for careers in aviation and health sciences. Principal Gause is much beloved by the 700 ‘Red Raider’ students. That shared affection grew even stronger following the send-off Principal Gause gave graduates.

Dolly Parton wrote and recorded “I Will Always Love You” in 1973 as a farewell to her mentor, friend, and partner, Porter Wagoner. Whitney Houston recorded a very different arrangement in 1992 for the soundtrack of The Bodyguard. In the movie, Whitney’s character parts ways with her employee who has also become a love interest.

After introducing us to Principal Gause and T Wingate Andrews High School, this video shares a snippet of the principal’s performance. It doesn’t take much to see the impact that his singing—and, perhaps, the singing of that song, in particular—makes on students and guests. He points into the crowd in a way that no doubt assures each student there that he is singing directly to them!

When asked about nerves, Principal Gause says that he was definitely unsure about attempting a song that had been performed by musical greats Whitney and Dolly. But, he did so anyway. With the song’s lyrics as his motivation, Marcus belted out his goodbye. One student shared that he’ll never forget his principal’s singing at the graduation ceremony and will always benefit from the positive impact the principal made in his life.

Ultimately, Principal Gause says, “One of the things that the pandemic has really taught us is that we need more love. That students know that we love and care for them.” Prior to T. Wingate Andrews High School’s recent graduation, many may have been Team Whitney or Team Dolly. I bet there’s a lot of folks who are now ‘Team Marcus.’

With his own style and a uniquely different type of love behind the words, Principal Gause delivers a heartfelt message for today’s young people. Courageous, yes! We think committed, caring, and compassionate, too! The world needs more dedicated and inspiring educators like Marcus Gause!

“To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mark 12:33

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