Ama Waller, Martinsville Middle School’s (MMS) new principal, was recognized in a schoolwide Constitution Week assembly on Monday, hosted by members of the MMS Student Council Association (SCA). The students presented Waller with an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol.
Waller, who has been with Martinsville City Public Schools for 16 years as a coach, teacher, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) coordinator, and assistant principal, became principal at the beginning of this school year.
The assembly and presentation were organized by MMS SCA staff sponsor and 6th grade history teacher Beverly Woody.
“It is important for young people to know they do have a voice in their community, and it is our duty as educators and mentors to demonstrate the proper way to make their voices heard,” said Woody. “Mrs. Waller has been so supportive and encouraging to the MMS faculty and students. The SCA thought that honoring her with an American flag at the Constitution Week kickoff would be a great way to pay tribute to our leader in combination with a good civics lesson for the student body.”
“I am honored to be both the principal of Martinsville Middle and to be honored by the Student Council with yesterday’s flag presentation,” Waller said. “More importantly, I am proud that students’ voices are a part of our climate and that they are taking active roles in their education and democratic rights. Mrs. Woody organized the event and does an excellent job daily bringing learning to life in her classes and having students connect their learning to real life experiences. In times like this, this is critical. As Ghandi stated, ‘what is really needed to make democracy function is not knowledge of facts, but right education.’”
Schools Superintendent Dr. Zebedee Talley said, “we celebrate our great country during this time and the great symbol of freedom and liberty that the Constitution and the American flag symbolizes! Mrs. Waller is an outstanding educational leader and champion for our students. I am so proud of this recognition of her leadership by our students.”
