HAMLET — Derrick Watkins, former assistant principal at the Richmond County Ninth Grade Academy, will soon be greeting his newest ninth graders as the principal.
“I have spent most of my educational career here as both a teacher and administrator,” said Watkins. “To be able to serve the Ninth Grade Academy in this capacity is huge for me!”
Watkins started his career as a coach and career technical education teacher at Hamlet Middle and then Rockingham Jr. High (which is now Rockingham Middle School).
While at the Junior High School, Watkins coached football and basketball and he also coached track and field and Richmond Senior High School.
After former Superintendent George Norris realigned the school district and created Richmond County Ninth Grade Academy, Watkins moved to teach Computer Apps I and he also coached football and basketball at the school. He then moved on to pursue a masters degree in Educational Leadership.
He served as assistant principal at Monroe Avenue Elementary School for three years before returning to Richmond County Ninth Grade Academy as assistant principal.
As Watkins starts the 2019-2020 school year in his new position, he recognizes that he’ll wear “many different hats” — leading instructional leaders, manage all aspects of the building and support teacher’s efforts as they teach students on a daily basis.”
But he’s looking forward to building relationships with students, parents and guardians as they work together as a team to help students be successful.
“This transition to high school is a pivotal part of their educational career and life path,” said Watkins. “This is an important year for our students, and the impact we have on them can be huge for their future, high school and after graduation!”
