BIXBY, Okla. — Bixby High School (BHS) Principal Terry Adams was named Oklahoma High School Principal of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals.
Adams talked to FOX23′s Ron Terrell about the recognition.
“[I’m] excited of course, very humbling, very fortunate to be here at Bixby High School. So many great students and teachers, support staff, assistant principals,” said Adams. “It’s nice to have recognition for the collective efforts of our school and all the great things going on here.”
“Bixby Schools is very proud of Terry Adams’ selection,” said Rob Miller, superintendent of Bixby Public Schools. “Now in his tenth year with Bixby Schools, Mr. Adams has established himself as a thoughtful and committed school leader focused on the success of all students at Bixby High School.”
“Terry has elevated graduation rates, expanded college and career opportunities, increased AP offerings and National Merit Scholarships, and strongly promoted athletic, academic, and extracurricular opportunities and success,” said Miller.
Adams said BHS is creating opportunities for students to job shadow and participate in internships, as well as establishing more classes that students are interested in, for example additional history classes.
BHS has also created a partnership with Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology to bring introductory courses to the Bixby campus starting in the fall.
“It will allow our student to take some concurrent classes here on campus, and also ... help them get a jumpstart and apply for an associate’s degree should choose to go to that campus once they graduate,” said Adams.
BHS junior Raegan Hula said she appreciates Adams’ positive attitude.
“I have never seen Mr. Adams in the school hallways without a smile on his face, giving out fist-bumps and hellos to everyone,” Hula said. “He respects all students in our school which in turn means the students respect him. This is very encouraging, because it helps me understand I am loved and seen in my school.”
“I try very hard to be visible to be positive, to be present for our students, to help each of them as much as I possibly can,” said Adams. “So it’s very rewarding to have our students say such nice things about me.”
Adams will be recognized as the Oklahoma High School Principal of the Year at the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration Summer Leadership Conference in June 2022.
He will also be recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and will be eligible to become one of three finalists to be named as contenders for the National Principal of the Year award.