Stoney Point's Tucker named county Principal of the Year
Michael Tucker of Stoney Point Elementary is Cumberland County Schools' 2019 principal of the year.
Tucker was honored Wednesday afternoon at a luncheon in the Crown Ballroom.
"I am really at a loss for words. I was not expecting this today," Tucker said. "I hope that I can work up to and live up to the previous principals of the year in Cumberland County."
Tucker was one of seven finalists for the honor. The others were Pamela Adams-Watkins of Massey Hill Classical High, Michele Cain of Cumberland Road Elementary, Christina DiGuadio of Ireland Drive Middle, Christina Tucker of Ponderosa Elementary, Stephanie Wall Rivers of Montclair Elementary and Jackie White of College Lakes Elementary. Christina and Michael Tucker are married.
Michael Tucker has spent 19 years in the county school system. He started as a teacher at E.E. Smith High School, then became an assistant principal at Margaret Willis and T.C. Berrien elementary schools and a principal at Cliffdale Elementary. He was named principal at Stoney Point in July.
The theme of Wednesday's luncheon was "My Compelling Why." School Superintendent Marvin Connelly Jr. said the principals were challenged to explain why they do what they do.
Connelly praised all of the finalists for their "phenomenal leadership." He said a principal's work is never truly done.
"There's always another emerging priority ... something that requires your attention," Connelly told the audience. "You keep coming back to it over and over again.
"You understand that it's bigger than you," Connelly said. "As principal, you're always focused on the bigger picture."
Each of the finalists talked about what motivated them in a video that was played during the luncheon. 2017 county Principal of the Year Vernon Lowery and 2018 Principal of the Year Lavette McMillan spoke.
Lowery told of overcoming personal challenges to succeed in her profession.
"Whenever you're overwhelmed, take a moment to remind yourself where you come from," Lowery said. "When life comes fast, as it will, remind yourself that you were built for this."
McMillian talked about her own motivations for doing the work she does.
"My 'why' is to improve the lives of others, not just students, but all those I encounter," she said. "I encourage you to find your own 'why' and put it into action."
Christina Tucker said she and her husband were supportive of each other during the Principal of the Year process.
"I'm just super proud of him," she said. "He's very dedicated and deserving."
As Principal of the Year, Michael Tucker was awarded $5,000 for use at his school and $1,000 for personal use. All of the nominees got a $100 check, an iPod, show tickets and other prizes.
Tucker will go on to compete for the Sandhills/South Central region title.
Staff writer Rodger Mullen can be reached at rmullen@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3561.