Last summer principal Holly Hawthorne left the pristine hallways of Arlington Traditional School to spend a week teaching geography to elementary school children in a remote village in Uganda.
At the Arlington Academy of Hope, in the Bumwalukani village in eastern Uganda, most of the students walk miles to school barefoot, where they receive their one hot meal of the day. Though the village still lacks electricity and running water it now has a thriving school, thanks to Arlington residents John and Joyce Wanda, who were born in the village and founded the academy, and because of contributions from Arlington Traditional School (ATS) students and parents as well as other local organizations.
“It was amazing to see how motivated the children are and how much they want to learn,” said Hawthorne, who also met with government officials and the U.S. ambassador during her 13-day trip to Uganda.
This fall Hawthorne has been using her experience at the Ugandan school to inspire the 450 ATS students to aid those who are less privileged.
“Part of teaching kids the ABCs of success is for them to understand that not everybody is as fortunate as them,” Hawthorne said. “We’re teaching them that they have a responsibility for helping others, whether they be next door or across the world.”
For Hawthorne, it’s imperative that educators not only prepare their students for a rigorous scholastic career, but to build character and instill within them a predilection for civic engagement.
It is an approach that has made ATS one of the county’s most successful schools, recognized by the Federal government, and has produced an abundance of accolades for Hawthorne: Two weeks ago she was named the Arlington Public Schools 2005 “Principal of the Year.”
“She wants students to accomplish as much as they can academically, but she also has a clear vision of promoting good behavior and character,” said Lois Grubb, who teaches fifth grade at ATS.
A PRODUCT OF ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Hawthorne graduated from Washington-Lee High School before attending Lynchburg College. Both of her parents were actively involved in county affairs and imparted upon her the necessity of giving back to the community, she said.
After she completed her education, Hawthorne returned to Arlington to work as an elementary school teacher. In 1981 she received a master’s degree from George Washington University and enrolled in the school system’s administrative training program.
“Instead of affecting just 25 kids in a classroom, I felt like I could make a bigger difference influencing a whole school as an administrator,” said Hawthorne, 55.
Following stints as assistant principal at Key and Abingdon Elementary Schools, she assumed the role of principal at ATS in 1992.
In this capacity she not only coordinates and supervises the school staff, but spends much of her time helping the students solve their scholastic and behavorial problems.
“It’s important for me to be visible, greet every child ... and for every kid to know I’m here to support them,” she said.
Each Friday Hawthorne runs a school-wide assembly that showcases students’ talents and informs them of upcoming events and activities. To be a successful principal one needs more than just good leadership skills, she said. It is crucial that a principal interact with as many students as they can on a daily basis, Hawthorne added.
“She pushes us to see how we can best meet the needs of individual students,” Grubb said. “She’s always thinking of ways to make learning interesting for the kids.”
UNDER HAWTHORNE’S LEADERSHIP ATS has thrived academically. Last year the U.S. Department of Education recognized the school as a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School, an honor only five other schools in the state received.
“I’m very proud of the [Blue Ribbon] award,” Hawthorne said. “This gives us national recognition as a high-performing school.”
When asked about the Blue Ribbon and principal of the year awards, Hawthorne downplays her own role and attributes the school’s success to the teachers and staff. She posses “a real knack” for hiring top-notch teachers and ensures they are well-attuned to the school’s vision, said Donna Honeywell, the school’s assistant principal.
“She creates a climate that is conducive for professionals to do their best,” said Honeywell, who also called Hawthorne “a real teacher’s principal” for her approachable nature.
For Hawthorne, the most challenging part of the job is dealing with administrative tasks that take her away from spending time in the classrooms. It is through personal interaction with the students where Hawthorne believes she can make the biggest difference in their lives.
“Being able to think critically and make good ethical decisions is so important for our students,” she said. “In this diverse county we have to continue to challenge them to be responsible.”