At the end of his second year, the school’s principal, Chris Meadows tops it off as the county’s Principal of the Year.
Principals across the county voted on April 11 and the winner was recently announced.
But in a very Meadows-like fashion, the new Principal of the Year credited his students and staff.
“This is not a Chris Meadows award,” he said. “At the end of the day, accolades are always nice, but for me, more than anything, this is a Jones Senior award. This is just a testament to what our students (and) teachers do on a day-to-day basis.”
In 2006, the state was set to intervene at Jones Senior, as it was designated a “priority school” based on low end-of-course composite scores. Former principal Pascal Mubenga turned the school around during his four-year stint, which Meadows is now elevating.
Jones Senior is currently recognized as a school of distinction with up to 90 percent of students performing at grade level. Meadows hopes his award will show the students how unyielding effort goes rewarded.
“(The students) know that all the work they’re doing (and) all the work I’m doing is paying off,” Meadows said. “People everywhere else are recognizing that we’re doing great things here at Jones Senior. It just makes me want to continue to do great things and keep pushing myself to do better.”
Meadows began as a heath educator and physical education teacher — both in
The
“I feel like everybody is called to certain positions, and this is what I have a passion for,” Meadows said. “Our job is not one where you get a lot of accolades. You have to have a passion for education.”
He was up for consideration against the county’s five other principals. Meadows said he respects his colleagues and felt honored they thought so highly of him.
“I’m so proud of him,” said Jeannie Smith, principal of
Smith is in her first year at Comfort. She said the award shows Meadows’ evident role in the success of the Jones Senior.
Today, Meadows said the school will be presented a state sportsmanship award in
Tremaine Young, Jones Senior assistant principal and the person who works the closest with Meadows, said his boss goes “beyond the call of duty” to get everyone in sync.
“The students and staff members know he cares,” Young said. “(The award) is a blessing and an honor, being that he is from this community. It sends out a good message.”
Young said the pair has the same interest, likes and dislikes.
Senior Miguel Foy said Meadows has been like a big brother to him.
“He always persuades you to do better,” Foy said. “He picks me up when I’m down. He’s a person I can come and talk to about anything.”
Foy, a four-year starter on the Trojans’ basketball team, plans to attend
“I think he’s a really good principal,” she said of Meadows. “I really like being in this school. We have a lot of opportunities and Mr. Meadows has provided a lot of opportunities for us.”
Baugus hopes to open her own daycare center in the future, which, surely, Meadows will provide continued support as a principal vested in individual student interests.
Meadows, a father of two, said he sees each student as his own and said the award will push his endeavors to the next level.
“I don’t think there is a limit (to the success of Jones Senior),” Meadows said. “I think we can continue to be one of the best schools in the state of
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.