Colony High’s Eric Danhof appreciates the ‘overwhelming support’ he’s received as he enters the next chapter of his life

ONTARIO, CA— – Eric Danhof’s battle with a rare form of bladder cancer has forced him to step away from the best job he has ever had, but the beloved principal of Colony High School has no intention of staying away from the calling that came to him as a young man.

“It’s been the highlight of my career to serve as principal of this school,” Danhof, 52, says as he prepares to formally hand off those responsibilities to Thomas Mitchell, who has served as Colony’s interim principal since Danhof took ill in August. Danhof, who has been Colony’s principal for three years, plans to return to the Chaffey Joint Union High School District in another role once he has time to heal from surgery and chemotherapy treatments.

“Being a principal is a full-time job – days, nights, weekends. I love it, but I’m just not in the physical condition to do that,” he says. “This is not something that anyone would choose to go through, but I’m overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from the student body, teachers, the District and the community.”

Chaffey District Superintendent Dr. Mathew Holton describes Danhof’s legacy as one of professionalism, perseverance and hope.

“Everywhere Mr. Danhof has gone is enriched by his presence and his commitment to enhancing the lives of students. You can immediately spot people who love what they do, and Eric is one of them. His spirited passion for education is leaving a lasting legacy at Colony High School,” Dr. Holton says.

Danhof’s ties to the District run deep. He spent half a decade at Ontario High School, as an English teacher, department chair and coach. He spent another eight years as assistant principal at Etiwanda High School, followed by two years in the same role at Montclair High School. He joined Colony as an assistant principal in 2016, and became principal the following year.

During Danhof’s tenure, Colony has been honored for its work in civics education, hosts hundreds of veterans and service members every year for its Colony Commemorates event, and has seen an impressive increase in academic performance.

But it’s the daily interaction with students that he misses the most.

“The energy of a high school campus is not something you can find anywhere else,” Danhof says. “You’re there and encouraging them when students are making the biggest decisions of their lives.”

The Southern Illinois native comes from a family of teachers and discovered early on that he had a passion for education. He moved to Southern California in 1992 and “never left … I loved it out here.” He taught in the San Fernando Valley for four years before moving to Ontario Christian High School, where he served as athletic director. After five years, he landed at Ontario High.

Danhof’s motivation throughout his career was helping students expand their thinking. “I love that feeling – to hook a classroom and see kids develop in their thinking,” he says.

And while his health is forcing him to walk away from the highlight of his work life sooner than he had planned, he does so with no regrets. He and his wife have raised a family, and now have nine grandchildren.

“It’s one day at a time,” Danhof says. “I’m not retiring, but the school needs steady presence and leadership, and I need time to heal.”