PORT HURON – Former St. Clair County Community College student athlete Billy Kerr has come full circle and feels right at home in the small Thumb Area community of Peck, Mich.
Kerr, a 1995 Peck High School graduate, is adjusting to life as the high school principal/superintendent of the Class D high school, located in Sanilac County. He started in the position in January 2016.
“If I would have had to follow Mr. (Mike) Tubbs as the superintendent, it would have been tough and hard to do,” said Kerr. “I had the opportunity to work under a great mentor in Frank Johnson.
“Frank stayed on six months longer to help me with the transition. He took me everywhere and taught me so much. He had the experience of working through bond projects in Memphis and Yale.”
It has been quite a journey for the 6-foot guard, a left-hander who loved to shoot the 3-pointer during his Skippers career. He grew up as a four-sport high school athlete – football, basketball, baseball, golf.
Basketball was and still remains Kerr’s passion. That drive, passion and dedication led to two seasons – 1995-96 and 1996-97 – under SC4 coach Dale Vos.
“I loved my years at SC4 so much,” Kerr said. “Going there was the best decision of my life. I felt comfortable with the school and being on the basketball team. I thought the English and History departments were very strong, and I really enjoyed Mr. (Jim) Voss’ speech class, which is a big part of what I do now.”
“With my background and my personality, it was a great fit. At the time I didn’t want to be anywhere else on earth.”
Kerr transferred to Central Michigan University for a year before finishing up his education at Saginaw Valley State University.
He returned to the Thumb Area for his first teaching position. He taught 12 years at Kingston High School, including 10 years as the Cardinals’ athletic director.
“We lived in Marlette because it was halfway for Leann and myself to our jobs,” Kerr said. “At the time, Leann (a 2001 Peck graduate) was teaching in North Branch. We love being back home.”
The Kerrs live outside of Peck with their three children – daughters Sawyer, 10, and Harper, 5, along with Wilder, a 2-year-old boy. Leann is the Peck Elementary School principal.
