Clarke Central High School Principal Dr. Swade Huff poses for a photo with the 2018 Homecoming Royalty on Oct. 18, 2019. Huff, a CCHS Class of 1991 alumnus, began his tenure as principal in 2018 by building relationships with community stakeholders. “Dr. Huff always emphasizes that the success of our school is dependent upon relationships,” CCHS Family Engagement Specialist Christian Barner said. “Relationships with our students, with one another, and with our families and community. He recognizes that these relationships must be based on sincerity and trust.” Photo from the ODYSSEY archives
Across the country, school principals are recognized for their service on National Principals’ Day. At CCHS, the community recognizes the contributions of its principal, Dr. Swade Huff
In celebration of National Principals’ Day on May 1, Clarke Central High School recognized the leadership and service of its principal, Dr. Swade Huff. Since assuming the role in 2018, and has since guided the CCHS community with a consistent mantra, “…at the end of the day, it’s all about the kids.”
Throughout his seven-year tenure, Huff has collaborated with multiple associate and assistant principals, managed a faculty and staff of over 100 individuals and handled transitions under three Clarke County School District superintendents.
“His passion for teaching and learning and for students is obvious. He has high expectations for our school and even higher ones for himself.”
— Levi Carr-Brooks,
CCHS CTAE department teacher
For Career, Technical and Agricultural Education department teacher, Levi Carr-Brooks, Huff’s impact is clear.
“His passion for teaching and learning and for students is obvious. He has high expectations for our school and even higher ones for himself,” Carr-Brooks said. “He is a strong leader who fosters a positive and supportive school environment, motivates students and staff, and champions our CCHS mission. Dr. Huff inspires us all with his servant heart.”
(From left to right) Principal Dr. Swade Huff, 2023 Gifted Minorities Achieving cohort members Michael Campbell, Max Carlson, Ayanna Lonon, Jael Flores-Zacarias and Salai Diekumpuna, GMA adviser and English department teacher David Ragsdale, GMA member Antonio Starks and community volunteer Ashlee Holsey stand with members of the GMA in the Media Center on March 23, 2023. “He is a strong leader who fosters a positive and supportive school environment, motivates students and staff, and champions our CCHS mission,” CTAE department teacher Levi Carr-Brooks said. “Dr. Huff inspires us all with his servant heart.” Photo from the ODYSSEY archives
CTAE department chair Jaclyn Brown, a veteran teacher who has been on staff since 2020, also views Huff’s leadership as integral to the success of the CCHS community.
“Working with Dr. Huff has been an eye-opening experience at Central. In my third district and fourth school, it is rewarding to have a leader who considers everyone and his things will affect them. He holds you accountable and yet still supports you (no matter if) you are a student, teacher or parent,” Brown said. “He has a genuine love for the community and gives his all to the betterment of everyone. Every decision he makes is by the book, but also fair and just. He leads by example and is the heart of Central.”
CCHS Family Engagement Specialist Christian Barner has worked collaboratively with Huff on various projects and initiatives within the school and community for the past seven years. Barner praises Huff for both his candor and faith in his staff.
“His many years as an educator and in Athens give him a clear picture of our successes and the areas in need of change, and he will speak honestly about both. He is unafraid to speak his mind and advocate for students, teachers, and our school,” Barner said. “He ensures our school continually progresses by trusting his faculty and supporting their creativity and innovation. He has a genuine love for Clarke Central and Athens, a desire to see the right decisions are made to ensure their success.”
