Hannah’s Highland Highlights HA STAFF OF THE MONTH!

playing golf. He enjoys being outside in nature. He loves reflecting on God’s creation whether it be bird watching, hitting a few balls on the green, or another pass time.Principal Watkins said that everything that has happened in his life has taught him many important lessons.

Joyful accomplishments and trials alike have molded him into the man he is today. He says he would not be the same without them. He would tell his younger self, “Hey, stay faithful. Keep fighting the good fight.” These are words we could all stand to hear once in a while, especially when life gets difficult.

Mr. Watkins strongly believes in our mission statement at Highland Academy: To develop Christ-like characters and life-long learner. He loves to see students give their hearts to God and says he wants to continue seeing students find Jesus on this campus. Most importantly, he wants “our kids to find a relationship with Jesus while they are here.”

Principal Watkins wants to continue growing the spiritual atmosphere of the campus with the students. “... Learning how to pray, communicating with Jesus”, he said, is one thing he wishes to continue to grow on this campus and is one of his daily goals he strives to incorporate in his life every day. Principal Watkins highlight of this year for Principal Wakins would be the introduction of the Student Success Center. He realizes and sees the need for student mental health, and he understands the struggle, he said, because he was a student once. He said, “Managing stress is a daily challenge.” His techniques when managing stress include morning worship time, exercise, internal prayer time, and a quiet space. Lastly, “Remind yourself that God will be with you.”

The advice Principal Watkins would give the students for the New Year is that “ To wake up every morning, fall on your knees, and invite the Lord to be part of your day and into your heart.” Going back to the theme, “But have you prayed about it?” he said, “I find myself often seeking wisdom and counsel from prayer and reading my Bible.” He said daily communication reminds us to seek the Holy Spirit to impress where we should go and what we should do. “Whatever you are dealing with, are you allowing the Holy Spirit in your mind and reflecting on it?” he asked. This is a question principal Waktins asks daily. As he reflects on this, he adds, “I do believe that the more and more that the students put themselves in a relationship with Jesus, the greater they have at building and connecting one; [this] school [was] designed for this purpose.” incorporates this year’s theme, in everyday Highland life. He asks himself questions like, “Do we embody it? Does what we are doing support our mission?” He tries to challenge himself spiritually to grow in his walk with God and others. The biggest