Dr. Ross Honored as National Principal of The Year
Chapin High’s Principal, Dr. Akil Ross, has brought home the renowned title of National Associate of Secondary Principal of the Year for 2018. Friday, October 20th, Dr. Ross was pleasantly surprised by his staff, his family and other honored guests at an assembly held in the arena.
The event included a surprise reveal of Dr. Ross’s wife and children, and a stage full of other principals in Lexington Richland 5. In addition to Superintendent Dr. Hefner, other noted guests from around the state included S.C. Governor Henry McMaster, the S.C. Secretary of Education Molly Spearman, as well as Representatives Nathan Ballentine and Chip Huggins. In addition, the stage held members of the Lexington Richland 5 School Board and members of the Chapin Rotary Club.
Dr. Ross even took a phone call from National Education Secretary Betsy DeVos who congratulated him on the honor. In addition, local community members came to commemorate this special moment, as students and staff shared the celebration through applause, and smiling faces. Dr. Ross, acknowledged many people including the Chapin High family and a special thank-you to his wife.
“It’s great and amazing that Dr. Ross won. I’m not surprised [Dr. Ross won] because he’s an amazing person, and a great leader for our school,” said Josh Taylor, Sophomore Class president. Taylor said that Dr. Ross was a major part in helping with student’s successes, and “helped a lot of students get to where they are now.”
“I think we sometimes take Dr. Ross for granted. We’re lucky to have such an amazing motivator and inspiration in our school,” said Chase Haywood, president of Chapin High’s Student Government. “I couldn’t think of a more deserving person for National Principal of the Year than Dr. Ross.”
Dr. Ross was in the running for this prestigious award against two other secondary principals in the nation. The finalists were announced in late summer with the winner being announced during October, also known as National Principals Month.
Mrs. Rangel, a fine arts teacher, said that she was “not surprised at all,” as Dr. Ross prioritizes the time and effort required in “developing our school… [and] Chapin’s whole community.”
“I think he has accomplished so much the last 4 years. It’s rare to have a principal who will go as far to call us all family, because that’s how we are feel to him,” said Kory Arnold, a senior.
A reception following the announcement was held at Chapin High School.
Click Here to see See 50 Questions with Dr. Ross
Additional information on the award can be found here: Click Here for More Information
Additional Media Coverage: WIS-TV
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