AL HR399

Congratulates and commends Benjamin E. Baker, principal of Ariton School in the Dale County School System, for being named 2016-2017 High School Principal of the Year for Alabama.

Baker earned a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Troy University and has served as an educator for 19 years, with 12 years as an administrator.

Initiated a weekend food program partnering with local businesses and churches that provides more than 70 free/reduced lunch students with meals, and created an "enrichment block" that resulted in an award-winning choir, art classes, school newspaper, and nursery/greenhouse business.

The Principal of the Year Program, established in 1993 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors outstanding secondary and middle level principals for providing high-quality learning opportunities and exemplary contributions to the profession.

Principals are nominated for the award by their peers in their state with final selections made by committees appointed by each state affiliate of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.