Huntington Middle School says goodbye to longtime principal

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. – Faculty, staff, Houston County Board members and state representatives wished a happy retirement to Huntington Middle School Principal Gwendolyn Taylor.

Taylor has been principal of the school since it opened in 2005 and has seen much growth in the school and its students. To celebrate her retirement, faculty and staff organized a surprise farewell to Taylor in the school’s lunchroom. Board members and school district officials attended the heartwarming surprise.

The principal was surprised to see all her coworkers and friends united and her eyes were full of excitement. While speaking at the event, she mentioned how thankful she is to all the staff and her parents as well, who she considers her first teachers, her home her first classroom. She said when she thinks of her career, she can always say she was better than blessed.

Taylor added that her parents always taught her to show respect and that she hopes she has shown her coworkers that respect. She also references the song “What About the Children?” by Yolanda Adams and says that she sings it all the time thinking about the students.

“That’s why we do what we do, because it’s for our kids. Sometimes they are our only hope. They may not remember what they made on the MAP score or the EOG, but they will always remember how they were treated, always,” said Taylor

State representatives Bethany Ballard and Patty Bentley gave her a farewell gift at the celebration as well. Bentley spoke to the audience about the Georgia General Assembly session back in January and March and said there were 700 resolutions introduced during those sessions.

She said one very special resolution was adopted and passed by 80 members of the Georgia House of Representatives. The resolution, Georgia House Resolution 611, honors Taylor and is related to budgetary and financial affairs. Ballard and Bentley gifted her a plaque to remember the resolution and its importance to her career.

Bentley remembers when she met Taylor at a wedding; Bentley has since admired her leadership and organization, watching her from a distance.

“I’m so honored to stand by my colleague as we present to you House Resolution 611 that will forever be in the history books of Georgia General Assembly,” said Bentley.

Bentley thanked Taylor for all she had done to educate the students of Houston County and wished her a happy retirement.

Superintendent of schools Dr. Mark Scott also spoke at the gathering and congratulated Taylor on her retirement.

“You have been that steady rock at Huntington for many years and on this side of town. As a former middle school principal, God bless you for being in that role as long as you have. That’s a challenge and really, it’s a testament to her commitment to children,” said Scott.

Overall, the ceremony was a heartwarming event that honored the commitment and work of a principal who has seen the school’s growth since the beginning.

To find out more about House Resolution 611, visit www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/220428.

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