Principal of the year
Ashdown High’s leader earns state honor
Kay York, principal of Ashdown, Ark., High School, was named 2018 Principal of the Year for the Arkansas Association of Secondary School Principals.
Dr. Richard Abernathy, AAEA executive director, presented Mrs. York with the award Friday at her school.
“This award is given each year to an Arkansas secondary-level principal who has succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students and has been acknowledged by peers for exemplary contribution to the profession,” said Dr. Larry Smith, program director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators.
“I have a passion for the work. We have a great staff and a supportive community who shares ideas,” said York after receiving the honor during an assembly in the Helen Parker Gym.
York was humbled by the surprise presentation.
“I am very humbled
to be recognized for this honor. I have always enjoyed working with the students, staff and community of Ashdown for many years. The various jobs in the the school system have afforded me many opportunities to work with a vast amount of people both young and old. Ashdown is a wonderful place to live, work and educate young minds. We continually look for ways to improve our school, and with the help of all, the task is much easier. I do not claim to be the best principal, and I could not do this job without a lot of great teachers and staff that work so hard,” York said.
She has served three years as principal of Ashdown High School, and previously served 19 years as a school administrator. She is involved in numerous pro- fessional organizations and community activities.
Ashdown School Superintendent Jason Sanders praised York’s creativity and dedication.
“Mrs. York is dedicated to the education of Arkansas students and very deserving of this award, as is evident in the following statement from one of her AHS students, who said, ‘Her dedication is building the bridge between school and community. The character presented by her proves one’s value comes not from aesthetics, but the willingness to do what no one else dares,’” said Sanders.