As I begin my sixteenth year as principal of Berea High School, I find myself reflecting on how quickly the past decade and a half has passed. The last fifteen years have truly been the most rewarding of my life. Time really does fly when you love what you do—and especially when you're surrounded by dedicated colleagues and incredible students.
The challenges our students face today are real and constantly evolving. One of the most important responsibilities we have as educators is to prepare our students not just academically, but also socially, culturally, and emotionally—with a strong emphasis on self-accountability. Life readiness is about much more than test scores; it's about developing the character and resilience needed to thrive in a complex world.
When individuals are both willing and able to learn, and pair that mindset with a strong work ethic, there is no limit to what they can achieve. Employers today are seeking individuals who are self-motivated, responsible, and driven to succeed.
At Berea High School, our mission remains clear: to prepare our students to become productive, responsible citizens who make meaningful contributions in both their local and global communities.
This is not a mission we can accomplish alone. It takes a partnership among students, teachers, and parents to ensure our young people are prepared for the rapidly changing world ahead. This is a challenge—but it’s one we can, and will, overcome together.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.