By Kathryn Purcell
Managing Editor

Morgan County High School Principal Mark Wilson traveled to Washington D.C. this weekend. But he didn’t go as a tourist; he went as a finalist…in the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ 2009 Principal of the Year contest.
   

Wilson learned that he’d been chosen as statewide Principal of the Year towards the end of last school year. It wasn’t until about three weeks ago that he learned he’d been chosen as one of three finalists in the nationwide contest, along with the winners from Virginia and Washington State.
   

The pressure was on to put together a program to deliver to a six-member panel, but Wilson headed to D.C. on Saturday with a 10-minute presentation including video, voices and pictures showcasing the high school’s teachers and students. He maintains that he is merely accepting the award; that is the students, teachers, parents and community at large that made this honor possible.
   

“It isn’t just the school, it’s a community thing,” Wilson said. “It’s an honor for the whole community.”
   

Wilson wasn’t expecting to be named a finalist, but expressed that he was thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the area, and the state.
   

“I always wanted to be a high school principal, but I wasn’t out to win awards,” Wilson said. “I am going to do my best for Morgan County, and for Georgia.”
   

The National Association of Secondary School Principals will announce the winner of this year’s Principal of the Year contest in September.