Talking To The New Head Pirate at Pattonville High School

Principal Joe Dobrinic saw his final students leave the grounds on Thursday. Thursday was the high school’s final day, and his last day as the leader of Wildcat Nation.

“This is a great staff of teachers here at Hazelwood West,” he said.

He's worn Wildcat pride for seven years, and now Dobrinic will be leading a different student group starting next month.

He will replace as the principal of on July 1.

The incoming principal said he’s most looking forward to the sense of community in Pattonville School District. A community he knows firsthand, because he grew up in the Bridgeton and Maryland Heights areas. He pointed to the relief efforts Pattonville had after the Good Friday Storms as an example of how the Pattonville community sticks together.

He said it’s great to be back in the community, but his main focus is getting the high school's students all the opportunities afforded to them.

Pattonville’s new principal started his career in the as a social studies teacher at Kirby Middle School (now called Hazelwood East Middle School). He became an associate principal at Hazelwood West High in 2004, and in 2008 started serving as the school’s principal.

"I will no doubt miss the relationships that I have developed with the students, staff, parents and the community of Hazelwood West High," Dobrinic said when announced his resignation in March. "WHS is an outstanding school with a fantastic student body and a tremendous staff."

While he’ll miss being a Hazelwood West Wildcat, he said joining Pattonville carries a whole new meaning since his roots are there.

“I’m excited to be a Pirate,” Dobrinic said.