Members of the Santa Rosa County School District and representatives from Discovery Education − part of Discovery Communications, which aims to helps school systems across the globe meet and excel in education − recently showed their appreciation for Milton High School Principal Michael Thorpe with a surprise recognition event in the school’s media center.
In addition to becoming ‘Florida’s Innovative Principal of the Year’ by the Florida Council of Instructional Technology Leaders, Thorpe is also in the running as a top three finalist for ‘Principal of the Year’ by the Florida Department of Education.
SRC School Superintendant Tim Wyrosdick said the event is not only to congratulate Thorpe on his recent state-wide recognitions, but to show how beneficial Thorpe has been to the school district.
“Mike has been both a principal here and a mentor for others in Santa Rosa County,” Wyrosdick said.
Wyrosdick also said Thorpe was recently announced as the new director of technology and professional development for the school district. Wyrosdick said Thorpe will be leaving the school in April to take his new position as director of the Professional Development Center.
“His expertise will be amalgamated into another role, where he can affect all of our schools,” Wyrosdick said. “It’s good for the district and its good for Santa Rosa County.”
The surprise event was also organized by the Discovery Education. Katie Bradigan, director of partnerships for the organization, said the school district has served as a partner with the organization. Bradigan said the school district has used Discovery’s digital streaming services and professional development programs.
“One of the things we are most passionate about as an organization is celebrating educators and celebrating leaders,” Bradigan said. “Mike is one of the most incredible leaders we have ever worked with.”
After seeing who was in attendance at the event, which included school district officials, principals from neighboring schools and family, Thorpe was overcome with emotion.
After thanking every who showed their support to him and the school in making their innovative technological achievements possible, Thorpe said he anticipates more on the horizon for Santa Rosa County School District.
“Folks around this nation are going to see what we are doing in Santa Rosa County, when it comes to educational technology and instructional technology,” Thorpe said. “You just wait and see.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: School district, Discovery Education recognize MHS Principal; Thorpe named director of PDC (VIDEO)