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Morgan County Educator Named Principal of the Year

MEDIA CONTACTS - GaDOE Communications Office, (404) 463-1487,  dtofig@gadoe.org   - National Association of Secondary School Princicpals, Shana Kemp, (703) 860-7344,  kemps@principals.org    NOTE: To speak to Dr. Wilson, please contact Morgan County High School     AUGUST 28, 2008 -- Dr. Mark D. Wilson, of Morgan County High School, was named the 2009 High School Principal of the Year on Thursday, making it two years in a row that a principal from Georgia has received the award.     "Mark Wilson is an exceptional principal who has helped the students of Morgan County High School make tremendous strides in a fairly short period of time," said State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox. "He's innovative and motivated and uses creative strategies to get the most out of his students and his teachers. He's very deserving of this award and I am very proud of him and his team at Morgan County High School."     Officials from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) surprised Wilson during a student assembly at his school. Local and state officials were also on hand to present Wilson with the award. A resolution from Superintendent Cox and the State Board of Education was presented to Wilson during the ceremony.     Molly Howard, of Jefferson County High School, was the NASSP High School Principal of the Year for 2008.     "The fact that the high school Principal of the Year has come from Georgia for two consecutive years is a testament to the quality of our school leaders in Georgia," Superintendent Cox said. "Mark and Molly are just two of the many great principals we have throughout the state."    ABOUT MARK WILSON      Wilson has been an educator for more than 20 years, beginning his career as a Social Studies and English teacher in South Carolina.     In 2003, he was named the principal of Morgan County High School in Madison, Georgia. During his tenure, he has implemented innovative strategies such as a "hybrid schedule" that facilitates teacher planning and collaboration, builds the teacher/student relationship and allows students to receive additional help during the school day. Under Wilson's leadership, Morgan County High School has dramatically increased the number of students taking Advanced Placement and other rigorous courses.     Since 2003, Morgan County High School has raised its graduation rate more than 10 points to 82 percent and has closed the achievement gap in critical areas, including English language arts. Morgan County High School is part of the Morgan County Public School system, under the leadership of Superintendent Stan DeJarnett.   MORE INFORMATION  - MetLife/NASSP National Principal of the Year Awards:  http://www.principals.org/awards    - Morgan County High School:  http://www.morgan.k12.ga.us/mchs/    - 2008 Principal of the Year Molly Howard:  http://www.gadoe.org/pea_communications.aspx?ViewMode=1&obj=1425
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