Principal Message

Welcome From the Principal

Dr. Matthew Owensby

Dr. Matthew Owensby
Principal

We begin each day reminding students and staff that “YOU ARE PART OF THE PRIDE, AND WE ARE PROUD OF YOU.” While we say that each morning, it’s possible that there may be those that don’t fully understand what that really means and how important it really is. In the animal kingdom, to be PART OF THE PRIDE means that you have been accepted by others into a group that can provide each member with a sense of security and belonging. In a lion’s pride, each member has a specific role and is responsible for looking out for others. As part of the pride at Hermitage, you belong, you have friends, and you have the responsibility to look for ways in which you can help others.

The second part of our motto, WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, should remind you that we are proud of all that you do. We are proud of your accomplishments and the effort that you’ve put forth in academics, arts, and athletics, but even more so, we are proud of your character. Because, even more important than wisdom and gaining academic knowledge is how we use that knowledge to help each other. Being proud of you means that we are proud of the young person that you are becoming.

While it may be something that we repeat every day, I hope that it never becomes repetitive. I hope it never loses its meaning, but it reminds you that you will forever have a community of LIONS that you belong to and believe in you.