Seneca principal wins statewide honor

Seneca High Principal Cliff Roberts received the 2015 South Carolina High School Principal of the Year this afternoon in a ceremony at his school. Roberts knew he had been nominated for the award, but winning it was something kept secret from him until today’s ceremony. Making the official announcement was the state’s superintendent-elect Molly Spearman, in her capacity as president of the South Carolina School Administrators Association. The announcement was made in front of a cafeteria full of students, who were joined by other school and county district personnel, as well as members of the county school board. Roberts was tricked into visiting another school, while those assembled for the ceremony, so he demonstrated surprise when he walked into the cafeteria and realized what was happening. In his acceptance remarks, Roberts deflected credit to his faculty, the students, the staff and the community. As the state secondary principal winner, Roberts automatically enters competition for the national honor. Dr. Michael Thorsland, county superintendent, described Roberts’ honor as well deserved and said it reflects the progress Seneca High has made in recent years.