The principal of Bartow High School's International Baccalaureate school is retiring after 47 years in education.
Dr. Ed Vetter said he chose education as a fluke. He went to Florida Atlantic University to pursue a masters degree in science but accidentally walked into an education studies building when he went to sign up for classes.
"They said, 'Hey do you want to be in education?' and I said, 'Yeah, why not?' " he said. "It was almost like I was directed there."
Vetter taught sixth grade in Hillsborough County for a few years, then he went on to teach science at Kathleen High School in Lakeland for 19 years. He was elected into the school's Hall of Fame.
Vetter founded Bartow High's IB program in 1996. The school was ranked as the number two high school in America by Newsweek magazine and some of its students have gotten the highest possible SAT and ACT scores.
Keeping the IB school at the top of its game comes with some pressure. Only high achieving students make it into the school, so a lot is expected.
"To maintain that consistently to me is just kind of stressful," said Vetter. "But it's a good stress."
At 69 years old, Vetter said he could relate to the stories of star running backs who wanted to retire before they lost a half step of speed.
"I have related to my energy level," he said. "I'll be 70 in December. I feel like I am not playing at the same level I used to play at."
A gathering honoring Dr. Vetter's career in education will be held Thursday evening at the Polk Historical Center in downtown Bartow.