Clarke Central High School Principal Dr. Swade Huff speaks at an ODYSSEY Media Group press conference in Room 231 on Aug. 21, 2023. Huff was named Dr. Kay Phillips Administrator of the Year by the Southern Interscholastic Press Association (SIPA) on Jan. 19. “This award is given to administrators who have nurtured the principles of scholastic journalism,” SIPA Director Nina Brook wrote in the press release. “In his nomination letter, (ODYSSEY Media Group and iliad Literary-Art Magazine Adviser) Mr. David Ragsdale praised (Huff’s) unwavering support for student media at Clarke Central (High School).” Photo by Aza Khan
After nearly eight years of supporting scholastic journalism at CCHS, Principal Dr. Swade Huff was recognized as Administrator of the Year by the Southern Interscholastic Press Association.
Principal Dr. Swade Huff was named the Dr. Kay Phillips Administrator of the Year by the Southern Interscholastic Press Association (SIPA) on Jan. 21.
ODYSSEY Media Group and iliad Literary-Art Magazine adviser David Ragsdale nominated Huff for this honor, which is awarded to an administrator who has nurtured scholastic journalism within their respective school.
“Dr. Huff exemplifies the qualities of servant leadership, advocacy, and support that define an exceptional administrator, and his unwavering commitment to scholastic journalism at Clarke Central High School has had a deep impact on our media programs and the students we serve since his arrival in 2018,” Ragsdale stated in his recommendation letter.
According to Ragsdale, Huff’s efforts in his time as principal — including attendance at quarterly press conferences, support of both students and faculty involved in the OMG and iliad, as well as his standards of excellence — have allowed student media outlets to thrive at CCHS.
Photos from Clarke Central High School Principal Swade Huff’s time at CCHS are shown. Huff was awarded the Dr. Kay Phillips Administrator of the Year award by the Southern Interscholastic Press Association on Jan. 21. Photos from from the ODYSSEY archives
“He actively supports (students) by attending workshops, conferences, and conventions such as the Georgia Scholastic Press Association’s fall convention and spring workshop, the National High School Journalism Convention, and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association Convention,” Ragsdale wrote. “His advocacy ensures that our students receive access to hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom to broaden their skills and perspectives.”
Principal’s secretary LaToya Hill, who helps coordinate Huff’s availability for interviews and press conferences with OMG students, feels this award is well deserved.
“As a person that spends a great deal of time with Dr. Huff behind the scenes I know how hard he works to see all of our students succeed,” Hill said. “He is deeply concerned that the voice of every single student is represented and heard, so it is fitting that his efforts are rewarded in such a remarkable way.”
“(Huff’s) advocacy ensures that our students receive access to hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom to broaden their skills and perspectives.”
— David Ragsdale,
ODYSSEY Media Group and iliad Literary-Art Magazine adviser
For Associate Principal Summer Smith, Huff’s support of scholastic journalism reflects his broader commitment to academic excellence at CCHS.
“I am very pleased to hear that Dr. Huff has been recognized for his support of our ODYSSEY Newsmagazine and iliad Literary-Art Magazine,” Smith said. “Supporting students is his number one priority both in and outside of the classroom and across all types of programs. He is proud of students when they succeed in their endeavors and it is nice to see that he is being recognized this time around.”
The recognition, Huff feels, serves as an opportunity to recognize the progress made both on his behalf as well as the school community.
“It is an honor to be recognized as the Dr. Kay Phillips Administrator of the Year by SIPA,” Huff said. “Assessing our effectiveness can be challenging for administrators because the goal is to have a perfect learning organization. Unexpected moments like this remind us that our labor is not in vain and motivate us to strive for perfection.”
