Cherokee High School (CHS) Principal Debra Murdock has been named Georgia High School Principal of the Year, which is presented by the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals (GASSP). She is the first principal in the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) to earn the prestigious title. The award recognizes principals who provide high-quality learning opportunities for students and are acknowledged by their peers for making exemplary contributions to the profession.

Nominees are judged on selection criteria that include: personal excellence; collaborative leadership; curriculum, instruction and assessment; and personalization. The selection process includes essays and supporting data, as well as interviews with school leaders from across the state.

Murdock, a graduate of CHS, is in her 21st year in public education and fourth year as principal of CHS. Im most proud to have come back and to lead Cherokee High School and some of the most exceptional students Ive ever known, she said, thanking her family, her school and CCSD Superintendent Frank Petruzielo. I stand here, thanks to him.

Murdock will be recognized formally at the GASSPs fall conference in Savannah, where she will be presented with a Principal of the Year ring, plaque and a financial award for the school. This spring and summer, she will begin the interview process to compete for the title of National Principal of the Year at the National Principal of the Year program in Washington, D.C.