Northern welcomes a new principal this year, let’s get to know him.
by Ava Lowe and Emmry Grow
This school year has been a year of change; new dress code, new tardy policy, and a new principal. Here’s a glimpse into Dr. Simmons’ life as Northern’s new high school principal. With the departure of Mr. Stephen Williams, we welcome our new principal.
What is your background in education? And what inspired you to go into the field of education?
My background is everything from being an elementary principal, middle school principal, a high school principal for about 24 years, Dean of Students, and the athletic director, and a superintendent. The reason I got into education was my mom was a special needs teacher for 42 years. She gave me a chance to substitute her class and there I got the opportunity for coaching and teaching. This gave me the opportunity to get that interest for that. It’s not like teaching you to make a million dollars, it’s more for public service.
How do you like working at Northern so far? What’s your favorite part?
I love it. My favorite part is the support and encouragement from this community because I want to be a part of the solution not a part of the problem.
What motivates you to come to work every day?
I believe that God has a plan for me, to be able to help support students and a community like this. Every day that I learn a new name it is an opportunity to come back the next day. Seeing faces, being able to support those who struggle, being able to give encouraging comments to those who don’t, brings me back every day.
What’s your life outside of school like? What do you like to do in your free time?
Going to the beach and having fun. But my thing is playing golf. I play for fun, it is also competitive, but I just play to play. I watch a lot of football. During basketball season, I watch that.
What extracurricular activities did you do in high school?
I went to a small high school, I played Basketball, and Baseball. So, I had a 40-inch vertical, so I was dunking basketballs before Spud Webb (former NBA player for the Dallas Mavericks).
What is your favorite scary movie or Halloween-themed movie?
The exorcist. That would be the movie that I always play during Halloween.
Where did you go to college, and did you enjoy college life?
The University of Arkansas. A beetle was our mascot. I absolutely enjoyed my college life. I got to tell you, my first two years I played basketball, I didn’t get to play my last two years because I got shin splints from jumping. But since I couldn’t play, I was asked to be a resting assistant, so I was the head resting assistant. I got an opportunity to make a lot of friends and I got to watch step shows.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Booneville, Mississippi. I had three older brothers and three younger brothers and one older sister. Our community was like a village.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Don’t lie, don’t steal, and don’t cheat. When we make a mistake, own up to it. Get over it and move on. Just don’t lie, admit to your mistake.
It was such an honor to interview Dr. Simmons and to get insight on his life- past and present. We look forward to a wonderful school year and many more to come with our new principal.