Why education? My inspiration to pursue a career in education came from my dream of becoming the head coach of basketball at my alma mater, Wildwood High School. When the position to coach at Wildwood High became available, I was told I needed a teacher’s certification to become a coach. I obtained my certification and applied, then I became the head coach of the boys basketball team. I have since served as a teacher, head coach of boys basketball, assistant principal and principal.  

I approach the challenges of leading a high school by: Building a culture that meets the diverse academic, behavioral and social needs of high school students. As an instructional leader, I am responsible for building a culture of leadership, recognition, support, academics and empowerment. 

There is nothing more rewarding than: Helping students close gaps and recover from deficiencies that gets them off the path of giving up. They begin to believe that their dreams are possible. I am motivated by the thought that I get to be a part of helping a student dream again. 

If I could go back in time: I would enroll in the courses that were being taught by the challenging teachers. I would not have enrolled in a teacher’s class that I thought would be easy. I struggled in college because I avoided rigor. 

If I could do something else: The closest job to being a principal is a pastor. Both positions must speak to the soul of the matter!

If I could have lunch with any historical figure, it would be: Malcolm X. I want to know how he went from a prison education to one of the most brilliant minds of the Civil Rights Era. 

My experiences as a former athlete have: Contributed to the leadership skills I have today. I grew up in poverty and I always wanted to make my mother proud. I dreamed of making it to the NBA and buying her a house. It took me years to learn that education is the way out of poverty. My message to students is that a quality education can equip you to overcome situations that you were born into.  

The biggest challenge facing students today is: An outdated education system. We are educating non-traditional students. The practices of yesterday must be replaced with practices that meet the diverse needs of our current students.

Photos: Nicole Hamel