by Mark Cheffey
PHS Principal Jared Pontius was announced as the regional principal of the year this past week.
PHS Principal Jared Pontius (left) receives the regional principal of the year award. (Contributed photo)
Pontius, who was selected by his more than 100 peer members of the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals in the northeast region, will now be one of eight regional winners recognized during the state organization’s fall conference in Columbia in October.
As northeast region’s president, Pontius said he knew he had been nominated, but was still surprised by the award.
“It is definitely an honor, one I especially appreciate after this difficult year,” Pontius said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has affected education.
“Hopefully, things will start getting back to normal,” he said.
Pontius cites a two-fold philosophy as a building administrator in working with teachers and students.
“I try to support our teachers in any way I can,” said Pontius, a former teacher himself, noting it’s important to make sure teachers are able to do their jobs to the best of their abilities.
“We want to see that our students have everything they need to be successful,” Pontius said. “Fortunately, we see a lot of our students come back to the community to live and work.”
Pontius himself returned to his roots after earning his degrees in education, as a Palmyra native and PHS alum.
