Being a principal can be a demanding job with numerous responsibilities, but Dr. Connie Collins handles the job of keeping students and faculty in check effortlessly.

Before Collins became the beloved principal of Seminole, she worked as a social studies teacher from 1984-1994. During that time, she worked at Walker Junior High, Robinswood Middle School, and Evans High School. Her persistence and hard work led her to become the assistant principal of Seminole for five years (1995-2000) and then principal of Crooms Academy (2000-2013). After her last year at Crooms, she became the principal of Seminole and has since maintained safety and quality of education for students.

Maintaining order in a school of over 3,000 students presents a number of tasks for Collins. These include hiring and upholding the contracts of teachers, seeking out additional educational opportunities, communicating with parents and faculty, and most importantly taking care of students.

“My primary task is to ensure that the school operates in a safe manner that also provides a great educational environment for our students,” said Collins.

Collins’s job can be difficult on behalf of the size and diversity of Seminole. About a third of Seminole’s students are enrolled in the magnet programs of International Baccalaureate and Health Academy; the rest are in traditional. Balancing the two magnet programs with the traditional group is challenging, but it brings a welcome challenge to her job.

“Seminole is a fully comprehensive school,” said Collins. “It’s challenging, it’s exciting, and there’s never a dull moment.” 

One of the many characteristics Collins demonstrates as principal is her ability to provide many opportunities for students to improve their academics.

“Dr. Collins is super caring and always sends the message for me and all students at Seminole to prosper academically and be able to become all that [we can be].” said sophomore Elizabeth Maalouf. 

Faculty and staff are appreciative of Collins’s hard work and determination to enhance SHS in as many ways possible.

“Working for Dr. Collins is both a rewarding and learning experience,” said Mrs. Tina Kendrick, Dr. Collins’s secretary. “I think what I admire most about her is [that] she truly, genuinely cares for students and that’s so important.”

In the 2016-2017 school year, Collins hopes to work with teachers, students, and parents to increase the academic performance of students. She also hopes to boost home-school communication and cooperation.

Collins is hardworking, dedicated, and dependable, all of which are qualities needed for someone to run a school.