Dear Columbia High School parents and community: It is with great honor and excitement I introduce myself, Braxton Stowe, as the new principal of Columbia High School.
Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for the warm welcome I have received from so many thus far. It is evident to me that Columbia has a rich history and tradition, and I look forward to getting on board to begin our quest to continue and enrich that proud history.
As a new principal coming in I know there are many things that everyone would like to know about me, such as my educational experience and my vision for Columbia High School. I am happy to share some of this information with you now and more in the near future. My goal is to host several small, informal group meetings over the next few months. I feel confident that this will help us get to know each other better, as well as allow us a chance to express our expectations for one another. Please know that your input is instrumental in the continued growth and success of our students at Columbia High School.
To begin, I am originally from Fayette, Ala. I attended Mississippi State University where I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I also completed my specialist degree in educational leadership at the University of Mississippi, but you will only hear me say “HAIL STATE!”
Professionally, I have been an educator for seven years. My career began as a high school teacher, football coach and drama teacher at Madison Palmer High School in Marks. I then served as principal of both Coahoma Agricultural High School (Clarksdale) and North Panola High School (Sardis).
All of these experiences have enriched my life and validated my beliefs about how children learn and what makes schools great.
In each of my roles I worked hard to ensure the success of each student, and that of the school, by providing the best instructional and extracurricular opportunities and support available. Similarly, it is my No. 1 priority at Columbia High School to provide those same opportunities and to ensure that every student receives the most well-rounded education possible through outstanding instruction from top-notch teachers, as well as extracurricular opportunities and supports that enable students to develop character, cultivate passions and explore the world outside of the classroom.
Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of meeting some of you. One of the greatest takeaways from these conversations has been the immense enthusiasm and pride for the school and community.
It is through that same enthusiasm and pride I look forward to becoming an integral part of the community and work with each of you to continue the great successes at Columbia High School.
Lastly, I want to invite each of you to my meet and greet, which will be Thursday, July 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in our cafeteria. Refreshments will be served.
I look forward to a great year ahead of us! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns and ideas you would like to discuss.
Have a great rest of the summer!
Braxton Stowe began July 1 as the principal of Columbia High School. He may be reached at bstowe@columbiaschools.org.
