Starting this year Seminole High School is welcoming Dr. Connie Collins, Seminole’s new principal.  In the past she has worked as assistant principal for Seminole. Regarding her return to Seminole, Dr. Collins said, “It’s great to be back.  I felt like I was coming home and so that has been a very nice feeling.”

Many students wonder if there will be major changes to things around the school campus such as pep rallies. In regard to changes Dr. Collins said, “What a good leader does is listen and pay attention and talk to people and then determine if changes are necessary. I appreciate being a principal because I have the opportunity to work with teachers and support staff in preparing young people as leaders in our society.  I honestly cannot think of a more rewarding role than that of [an] educator.  I love being around young people, I think it keeps a person young.  At least, I hope so!”

Because she comes from a smaller school without as many fine arts opportunities, Dr. Collins has a great appreciation for SHS’s chorus, band, and drama programs.  She also admires our competitive athletic programs.

An anonymous sophomore said, “I think [Dr. Collins] will [do] a very good job of taking over Mr. Gaudreau’s place. She seems nice and everyone really liked Mr. Gaudreau, but I think she will be a great principal.”

Dr. Collins was born in Alabama, later moving to Pensacola. In high school she was part of the newspaper staff, yearbook staff, National Honors Society, and in band.

Her family had generations of educators, but she wanted to branch out and became an operation officer at a bank.  Dr. Collins said the job felt “out of sync” with her since she had been around education all of her life, so she went back to school to become an educator.

Dr. Collins taught history in previous years, which led her to go to Seminole as an assistant principal for six years.  After that she went to Crooms Academy for 13 years. Dr. Collins said that she “grew to love the faculty, staff, and students.”  She also teaches adult students that want to be teachers, assistant principals, and principals.

Junior AJ Stravato said, “It should be interesting to see how our new principal does on her first year here.”

As Seminole experiences a new year with many changes, we welcome Seminole’s new addition, Dr. Collins.