Quitman High School Principal Howard Savage Jr. is the 2018 Mississippi Administrator of the year.

Quitman High School Principal Howard Savage Jr. is the 2018 Mississippi Administrator of the year, someone who led his school from three consecutive D ratings to a B rating. 

The Mississippi Department of Education and the Office of Teaching and Leading made the announcement on Friday. 

Savage began as principal at Quitman High School in July 2016 after serving as an assistant principal and teaching in the Hattiesburg Public School. He received a a doctorate in education leadership from William Carey University in 2017. 

Quitman School District Superintendent Tori Holloway said Savage embodies the idea school leader. 

“He’s all about the kids and his teachers,” Holloway said. “He’s a charismatic personality. He has built that high school into a community.” 

Efforts to reach Savage were not successful Friday; however, people who work with him said they understood why the educator was an easy choice.

Quitman High School English teacher Michelle Davis said she could have retired at the end of the previous school year but decided to stay after Savage rejuvenated her professional motivation and spirit. 

“It helps so much who has an administrator who cares,” Davis said. “He’s awesome to work for.” 

The 10th grade English teacher and student council adviser said  Savage makes everyone want to come to school each today, both students and teachers. 

“He lets the kids know he cares about them,” Davis said. “It’s the same with the teachers.” 

Holloway said Savage’s passion and love for education has even impacted his leadership.

“He has passion and a belief that no matter what we can succeed,” Holloway said. “He has reinforced my beliefs in those same things.”  

Each of the four Congressional districts in the state select an administrator and teacher of the year from those selected within each school district.

The overall state honor for both administrator and teacher of the year includes a $5,000 stipend and shares expertise through various presentations and activities to help improve education in the state. 

Lafayette School District elementary school teacher Whitney Drewrey was selected as 2018 Teacher of the year. 

Mississippi Superintendent of Education Carey Wright said high quality professionals such as Savage and Drewrey help students across the state achieve and learn in ways to create future opportunities as adults. 

“Mississippi public education has achieved unprecedented outcomes over the last several years and it’s due to the commitment and expertise of outstanding professionals like our honorees this year,” Wright said in a statement. “I congratulate them on being selected as exemplary representatives of the exceptional educators we have throughout the state.”