At its regular meeting on Tuesday night, the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Board of Trustees honored retired Board Chairman and former Superintendent Dr. Michael Williams with a proclamation presented by current Board Chairman Ed Liverman. In addition, Dr. Williams was honored by having the RRGSD Principal of the Year award named after him and retitled as the "Dr. Michael F. Williams Leadership Award". Dr. Williams, as well as members of his family, were present on Tuesday to receive the awards and honors presented by the Board and Superintendent Dr. Bennett Jones. Board of Trustee Phil Hux also announced that the Board is sponsoring a commemorative brick in Dr. Williams' honor to go in front of Roanoke Rapids High School.
Dr. Williams was honored for his over six decades of service to public education, holding roles as teacher, principal, superintendent, and Board of Trustee member. Dr. Williams also worked for the University of North Carolina System as the Director of Principal Fellows Program and served on various boards including the North Carolina School Boards Association Trust and as a Chairman of the Halifax Community College Board of Trustees. Dr. Williams has received several state accolades over his distinguished career, including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor.
“I appreciate the proclamation and recognition from the Board, but I am completely surprised and honored to have the Principal of the Year award named after me,” stated Dr. Williams. “I have loved living and serving in Roanoke Rapids and I thank my family for their support during my career,” said Dr. Williams. Superintendent Dr. Bennett Jones added, "It is our honor to name the RRGSD Principal of the Year award after a man who has committed his time and efforts into helping not only students, but helping to mentor and guide hundreds of school administrators and leaders."
Dr. Williams was on hand to make the presentation of the first Dr. Michael F. Williams Principal of the Year award to Lindsey Goble, principal of Belmont Elementary. Goble was recognized as was Belmont Elementary teacher Tamatha Faulcon, the RRGSD Teacher of the Year, and RRHS teacher Emmy Garner as the RRGSD Beginning Teacher of the Year.
At the beginning of the meeting, Troy Cribb was seated as the newest Board of Trustees member, replacing Dr. Williams.