The Camdenton R-III School District is pleased to announce the hiring of the new Hawthorn Principal, Randy Gum. Gum is a Camdenton graduate, and is looking forward to returning "home."

Randy Gum earned his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Columbia College. He went on to receive his Master's in Educational Administration through Southwest Baptist University, and Specialist Degree at William Woods. Mr. Gum started in education at Hawthorn Elementary, where he served for six years as a 4th-grade teacher, after-school teacher, robotics coach, archery instructor, and President of the Teachers Association of Camdenton. He went on to serve as the K-12 principal at Miller County R-3 for five years and has spent the last four years as principal of Boswell Elementary in Lebanon.

Mr. Gum shared, “I am blessed to have the love and support of my wife, Jennifer, and children Dylan and Jayden. We are grateful that I have the privilege of returning to the school that poured into me, and where I got my start in education. I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much. Camdenton Schools has a rich history of excellence and innovation, and it is my intention to carry on that torch. It is so exciting to be able to once again claim, We Are Lakers!”