Aiken High School Principal Dr. Jason Holt wasn’t shocked by the presence of District staff members outside of his building Friday morning. He had been expecting them to arrive for a special announcement for one of his faculty members. Seeing his wife, Stephanie, his children, and other family members when he walked outside was something else entirely, however.
Aiken County Superintendent King Laurence congratulated Holt on being named as the school district’s Principal of the Year before making a school-wide announcement on the intercom that drew loud cheers from every hallway.
“I was absolutely surprised,” commented Holt. “My entire focus today was on our teacher Carina McGee and the fact that we would be celebrating her as the First Year Teacher of the Year, so my priority was on getting her husband here and making sure everything was ready for her. Then, to walk outside and see my family and so many people who support me every day, I am beyond humbled and really at a loss for words.”
Holt says being named as Aiken County Public Schools’ Principal of the year holds a special significance due to the high regard and respect he has for his principal colleagues.
“To be considered for something like this from among our Aiken County principals is something that is very special to me,” stated Holt. “To be considered in this capacity as a principal of the year from among the folks I work with and collaborate with every day just means the world to me.”
“What really energizes me is keeping the focus on the students,” added Holt. “That helps me keep the focus on the adults who care for the students. If I can put all the other distractions away and take care of that, every day is going to be great because we are helping people.”
The Principal of the Year Honor Court members included Dr. Jason Holt, Shunte Dugar of New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet School, and Patricia Wilson of North Augusta Elementary School.
Thank you to our 2020 Stars of Public Education sponsors, including Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Public Education Partners, SRP Federal Credit Union, Security Federal, Rhodes Graduation Services, H.G. Reynolds Construction, Peach State Federal Credit Union, Hunt Insurance & Retirement Services, Economic Development Partnership, East Aiken School of the Arts PTO, Greendale Elementary School PTO, Aiken High Booster Club, J.D. Lever Elementary School PTO, Busbee Elementary School PTO, Jefferson Elementary School PTO, New Ellenton STEAM Middle Magnet School PTO, Schofield Middle School PTO, Silver Bluff High School PTO, and the Hammond Hill Elementary School PTO.
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2020 PR AIKEN HIGH POY WINNER