Chamber News

Emmett Bradshaw, Jr. Named High School Principal of Virginia

June 1-Mr. Emmett G. “E.G.� Bradshaw, Jr., Principal of Patrick County High School, has been selected the 2009 Outstanding High School Principal of Virginia by the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP)

JOINT NEWS RELEASE Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals and the Patrick County School Board June 1, 2009 Mr. Emmett G. “E.G.� Bradshaw, Jr., Principal of Patrick County High School, has been selected the 2009 Outstanding High School Principal of Virginia by the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP), according to Dr. Randy Barrack, the Executive Director, in a press release distributed today. According to Dr. Barrack, the Virginia Outstanding High School Principal Nominating Committee, who nominated Mr. Bradshaw, had seven criteria to evaluate candidates for this award. They are: 1. Take risks to improve student learning 2. Anticipate emerging problems and act in effective ways to resolve them 3. Move actively to implement the goals and objectives of the school 4. Work collaboratively with teachers and staff to improve the educational program and student achievement 5. Ensure the school climate is positive and reflects high staff and student morale 6. Involve the community in the life of the school and use community resources for students 7. Demonstrate creativity and imagination in bringing about positive change The Committee was unanimous in their decision to nominate Mr. Bradshaw and the VASSP Board of Directors accepted the nomination noting that he excelled in the following three core selection areas: • Collaborative leadership • Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment • Personalization In reaction to this announcement, Dr. Roger N. Morris, Division Superintendent for Patrick County Public Schools, indicated that Mr. Bradshaw “did not seek this honor but was encouraged to apply by his fellow principals. When he asked for permission to pursue this process, EG (Bradshaw) told me that he was not doing it for himself but to bring recognition back to Patrick County. To me, this statement says a great deal about the character of EG and how deserving he is of this award. It is recognition not only for him but for the County’s children, our staff, and our community.� Patrick County School Board Chairman Robert A. Rorrer added that “this honor for Mr. Bradshaw not only is a testament to his hard work and leadership, but it is a testimony to the hard work of everyone involved in our school system.� With his leadership, Mr. Bradshaw has seen the high school achieve several milestones. Patrick County High School is one of the top schools in the state of Virginia to have graduates attend college by having an 86% placement rate. Bradshaw also started a program called D2 which offers a college degree program on campus for eligible high school juniors and seniors. Beginning next year, the program will have almost 75 juniors and seniors enrolled. Patrick County High School has seen an increase in test scores, as evidenced by the continued achievement of full accreditation and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). The school also has a 90% completion rate with African-Americans completing high school at a 100% rate. Prior to coming to Patrick County, Bradshaw graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College in 1984 and began his career at Patrick County High School in 1985 where he taught math and physical education. He remained at the High School until 1992 when he became a teacher in Henry County. During this time, Bradshaw earned his master’s degree in administration in 1998. In 1998, Bradshaw returned to Patrick County High School after being named Assistant Principal, then was selected by the Patrick County School Board as Principal of the High School the next year. Mr. Bradshaw is married to the former Tammy Cox of Stuart, Virginia and has two daughters, Chelsea, who is a sophomore at Longwood University, and Casey who is a junior at Patrick County High School. The state honor entitles Mr. Bradshaw to be considered for the MetLife/NASSP National Principal of the Year. Should he be selected to be the national principal of the year, he will be awarded a $5,000 grant from MetLife. The grant would be used to improve learning at the school, including but not limited to a special school project and/or professional development opportunities. Mr. Bradshaw will formally be presented the award later this month at the 82nd Annual Virginia Middle and High School Principals Conference & Exposition in Williamsburg where he will attend a meeting with Governor Tim Kaine.