Carl Jensen, Highline's "Citizen of the Century," died on Nov. 21of cancer at age 97.

In March 2000, the Highline Historical Society bestowed the honor on the man who guided the Highline School District as superintendent from 1953 to 1971.

Jensen's death came five weeks after the passing of his close friend and the person he mentored to become his successor in the district's top job, Robert Sealey.

Sealey, 79, passed away from cancer on Oct. 15 at his Lake Burien home.

Sealey's death "just about broke dad's back," observed Larry Jensen, Jensen's only child. ""They were friends for 50 years."

In his letter outlining Jensen's accomplishments and nominating him for the citizen of the century award, Sealey demonstrated why Jensen was an overwhelming choice:

"Jensen shared his vision and contributed leadership throughout the community. He was a major force in the acquisition of Camp Waskowitz, the founding of Highline Community College and our state's first Occupational Skills Center," Sealey wrote.

"He also served on the Forward Thrust Planning Board, which brought this district its many swimming pools. His leadership on the board of television's educational channel, KCTS, brought education into the homes of our community. He served on the board of the Pacific Science Center and also helped in the founding of our community's first savings and loan."

Jensen attended Central Washington University and the University of Washington. He began his career as a teacher, coach and counselor.

He was named vice principal at Highline High School in 1945 and became administrative assistant to L.D. Baker, the district's first superintendent, in 1949.

When Baker retired at the end of the 1952-53 school year, Jensen became Highline's second superintendent.

Jensen's forward thinking was evident early in his tenure, according to his son. Jensen said his dad foresaw the oncoming baby boom of children born shortly after World War II.

He got permission from school board members to acquire vacant land in undeveloped areas before enrollment soared.

"He saved the taxpayers a whole lot," Jensen said.

His father also demonstrated his frugality and lack of pretension when board members provided him with a private vehicle for his job.

"Since they had done it without his permission, he insisted it be a neutral color and not flashy," Jensen said.

During Jensen's first years as superintendent, nearly 2,000 new students enrolled each year. Enrollment increased from 15,000 students to 32,000.