Perry named Florence 1 Schools Assistant Principal of the Year

In a surprise announcement Friday morning, West Florence Assistant Principal Saani Perry was named the Florence 1 Schools Assistant Principal of the Year. The surprise took place in the school auditorium where Perry was greeted by the cheers of his co-workers, students and family members.

Perry, who has worked at West Florence for three years and serves as the director of the school’s STEM Magnet Program, said the award was completely unexpected.

“When I decided to get into administration, it was because I wanted to be able to impact schools on a larger level than just inside a classroom,” Perry said. “That has been my goal since I’ve been here. This award means a lot to me but it is really not about me; it is about the excellence that happens every day as we work together to try to make West Florence the best. I am just glad I am a small part of what happens here.

I am proud to be a Knight.”   

Principal Matt Dowdell said that Perry is a dedicated administrator, working to create an exemplary learning environment for students and teachers.

“Mr. Perry's tireless efforts to support students and educators, his commitment to designing and implementing rigorous curricula, and his ability to cultivate a positive school culture highlight his exceptional qualities as a leader,” Dowdell said. “West Florence is fortunate to have his innovative contributions and unwavering dedication.” 

Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Greg Hall, who was part of the surprise Friday, said that the award was well deserved.

“Mr. Perry is an outstanding leader committed to investing in the lives of our students through his leadership,” Hall said. “His compassion for students and their success is evident in all of his work. It is a privilege to call Mr. Perry a colleague. I am proud to have him as a leader in Florence 1 Schools and celebrate him as the Assistant Principal of the Year.” 

Several students spoke during the ceremony including Michael James Jr., a member of the Sharper Knights mentorship program Perry leads.

“Mr. Perry’s signature bowties are not just stylish accessories, they are a symbol of precision and excellence,” James said. “You could say that Mr. Perry’s bowties are like his approach to leadership: always meticulously aligned and never out of place. It is as if he is saying, ‘why settle for the ordinary when you can be extraordinary’. Through Sharper Knights, he is not only helping young men become better students, he is instilling values of leadership, integrity and hard work…Mr. Perry’s guidance through Sharper Knights has been transformative, providing us with tools that will benefit us long after we leave West Florence.”