Dear GNBVT Community,
As I sit down to write my final Paw Prints newsletter, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has shaped both my career and my life.
After five years serving as Assistant Principal and five years serving as Principal of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, I will be saying goodbye to the school and career that have made me the person I am today. My last day at GNBVT will be June 30th, and this fall I will begin a new chapter as the Assistant Superintendent-Principal of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River.
I am incredibly excited about this opportunity and the chance to blaze a new path for myself professionally. At the same time, my heart is heavy as I reflect on what this school community means to me. Leaving GNBVT is not easy because this place is more than a school, it is home.
As a graduate of GNBVT, I have been blessed to serve my community and my alma mater. There is something truly special about returning to the place that helped shape your own future and then having the opportunity to help shape the futures of others.
To our students: thank you.
Thank you for the respect, kindness, and love you have shown me over these last ten years. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey.
I will cherish the memories we have created together:
The push-up and jump rope competitions that brought out your competitive spirit.
The lively debates and thoughtful conversations during the Public Speaking Club.
Seeing your incredible school spirit on display year after year.
Cheering on our BPA and SkillsUSA competitors as they showcased their talents on state and national stages.
Watching our student-athletes compete with pride and determination.
Connecting with students as a football coach.
Teaching students how to throw the javelin in Track and Field.
Helping students learn proper form and discipline in the weight room.
Celebrating together during our two annual pep rallies a year.
Expanding Senior Week so our graduating students could create lasting memories.
The weekends I spent reflecting on the best way to motivate our students with a strong Monday Message.
All of these experiences were designed to enrich your high school journey, but the truth is they enriched my life as well. They brought me immense pride, joy, and gratitude. Being your principal has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
A student recently told me they had heard someone say I was leaving because I was "sick of the kids."
That could not be further from the truth.
The reality is that it is because of you that I stayed as long as I did.
You have inspired me. You have challenged me. You have made me laugh. You have reminded me every day why education matters.
I am leaving because I am ambitious. I believe in embracing growth, pursuing new opportunities, and challenging myself to continue learning and leading. I have always encouraged our students to be fearless when opportunities arise, and now I must follow that same advice myself.
Please know that each of you has impacted me more than you will ever realize.
Although I am leaving GNBVT, I will always be a Bear. This school is forever part of who I am. You will still see me around, and when you do, please don’t hesitate to say hello.
As I close this chapter, I leave you with the same message I hope you carry throughout your lives:
- Never allow anything to hold you back from growth.
- Dream bigger than your circumstances.
- Take chances on yourself.
- Embrace challenges.
- And never stop striving to become the best version of yourself. And remember to:
- Prepare with Purpose.
- Pursue with Passion.
- Persevere with Persistence.
- And always remember to Be Kind.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your principal.
Once a Bear, Always a Bear. 🐻
Bears United,
Warley J. Williams, III
