William Bates, Herndon High School’s principal and FCPS Principal of the Year, honored on June 23 before the Board of Supervisors. Photo Contributed
William Bates, Herndon High School’s principal, gave a glimpse of the inspirational power of “hopeology” on June 23 before the Board of Supervisors.
“I am a treasure hunter and a hopeologist and I believe in the power of hope,” said Bates. “As adults, we have the capacity to instill hope in all children.
“As an adult and treasure hunter, I am committed to search for all of their talents and skills and success and intelligence that exists in all children and youth,” said Bates. “I believe that all children are capable of success. No exceptions.”
BATES, Herndon High School's principal since 2009, is this year's Fairfax County Public Schools Principal of the Year.
“We have the ability to get those who don’t believe in themselves to accomplish the most amazing things,” said Bates.
Supervisor John Foust and the Board of Supervisors formally honored Bates on June 23 at the Fairfax County Government Center.
“I was at graduation last week and it’s so much fun watching him around the kids. They love him,” said Foust. “I can’t imagine anything better you can do for a child than to give him hope.”
The Board of Supervisors recognized Bates for creating an environment at Herndon High School that is “conducive to learning and fosters creativity and personal development.”
“Being a Herndon High School parent, it’s exciting to see what is happening,” said Supervisor Cathy Hudgins.
“It gives these kids a real expectation of where they can go,” she said.
Bates has worked in the Fairfax County Public Schools system for 15 years and is also currently president of the FCPS High School Principals Association.
Being a high school principal is “unlike anything else,” he said.
“Believe. We believe that children achieve when they are connected to adults who believe in them,” said Bates.
“Connect. We believe that children succeed when they have meaningful sustainable relationships with adults,” he said.
“Time travel. We believe that students achieve when they have adults who can help them articulate their future and come back to the present and articulate a game plan for that future,” said the Herndon principal.
Foust said the principal has changed the culture at Herndon by improving school spirit and ownership. “He discusses with students topics ranging from bullying and suicide awareness, to the physical conditions of the school ... and expectations for academic achievement,” said Foust.
“Mr. Bates, thank you so much for all you do.”
“I UNDERSTAND THE POWER of hope,” said Bates. “Kids without hope are kids without futures. Kids without hope are kids who make destructive decisions. Kids without hope are kids who don’t feel connected to their school and don’t get involved in activities because they don’t believe they can succeed,” he said.
“But let us not be confused. Kids without hope are not kids who aren’t smart nor are they kids or students who lack talents but because of their life experiences don’t believe the things they do will make a positive difference,” he said.
“As the caring adults, we have the capacity to change that mindset by inspiring hope in our students. But we first have to change the mindset and behaviors of adults before we can change the mindset of our children.”