Lawrence County High School may have a few bragging rights comethis summer that extend beyond the playing fields, outside theclassrooms and into the administrative office.

LCHS Principal Dr. Daryl J. Scoggin was recently nominated forPrincipal of the Year for the Mississippi Association of SecondarySchool Principals by his peers. He is one of about five principalsin the running for the award.

“The funny thing about it is they can train you all they want to,but you never know how to (be a principal) until you actually getin there,” said Scoggin.

The nomination came as a complete surprise to the LCHSprincipal.

Scoggin said he does not look for acknowledgment for hisadministrative work. He mentioned the biggest recognition he canreceive is watching graduating seniors walk proudly across stage toaccept their diploma.

“It’s a job, it’s a calling; you won’t get rich, you just love whatyou do,” said Scoggin.

After learning of his nomination, Scoggin completed an applicationthat asked about his philosophies on education, curriculum,community involvement and discipline. There are about eightdifferent categories that will be scored and a committee willselect a winner and explain their reasoning once the principal ischosen.

“Really and truly it’s hard to get principals to brag onthemselves, so it’s a hard process to get people to participate,”said MASSP Executive Director Gary Smyly. “We pull a little teethin trying to get folks.”

Scoggin has been LCHS principal for seven years. However his resumeboasts 31 years inside the educational system including severalyears as principal. He was Crystal Springs High School principalfor four years, Wesson Attendance Center elementary schoolprincipal for one year and high school and middle school principalfor two years and served as an assistant principal in Jackson forone year.

“It doesn’t look like I’ll retire any time soon either,” saidScoggin.

In addition to years of experience, Scoggin said LCHS has beenrated as a successful school the past four out of five years andhas consistently raised test scores. However, career success is notwhat Scoggin enjoys most about being principal.

“It’s just being able to work with kids,” he said.

“You can’t afford to grow old when you do something likethat.”

While being named the Principal of the Year in Mississippi is anachievement in itself, the honoree will join winners across thecountry in Washington D.C. for a conference.

“It’s a nice affair when they do get selected,” said Smyly.