A Gwinnett County high school principal whose school has had a large increase in its graduation rate in recent years was named Wednesday the state’s principal of the year.
Meadowcreek High principal Tommy Welch was surprised, literally, by the honor from the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals. Welch thought he was meeting with a group in the school’s theater Wednesday afternoon, but that was a ruse.
“A win for one is a win for all,” said an emotional Welch.
Meadowcreek's graduation rate went up from 52 percent during the 2013-14 school year to slightly more than 73 percent last school year, according to state data. Welch instituted a five-year turnaround plan for the school when he became principal in 2011 that included more Advanced Placement courses. He's also been active in bringing business and community leaders to the school to find ways to help students.
On Tuesday, the College Board, which designs the coursework for AP courses, named Gwinnett its large school district of the year for getting more students to take AP courses and for improved performance on those exams.
Meadowcreek High, located in the Norcross area, is one of the largest public schools in Georgia, with about 3,400 students. It has some inherent educational challenges.
About one in six Meadowcreek students are considered to have limited English skills. One in 10 students has a disability.
Welch will represent Georgia for national principal of the year honors.
Here’s video of the ceremony where school district and Meadowcreek High School staff surprised Welch with the announcement that he won.
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