Administration
Principal: Paul K. McWhorter, III
Lives in Cedar Bluff, AL
Is married to Betty Summers McWhorter
Has a son, Jonathan, who teaches History and coaches football at Cedar Bluff High School; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Ponder McWhorter, who is a CPA and partner with Rudert and McWhorter CPA firm in Rome, GA; and a daughter, Summer, who is a junior at Auburn University
Graduated from Cedar Bluff High School in 1968
Has a B.A., B.S. Ed., MPA, M.S. Ed., Ed. S. degrees from Jacksonville State University.
Has been in education since August 1989. Previously taught at Centre Middle School 1 year, and Lyerly Elementary School 3 years.
What do you like about GHS? I like the people. I know, or have known, the parents and/or grandparents of many of our students for many years. We are a close-knit community and the faculty, staff, and students here are the best. I also have deep roots here with many members of my family having graduated from Gaylesville. Several of my family members have also taught school here.
Who is your idol, hero, heroine, and why? My parents for having sacrificed to give me opportunities that they did not have. My grandparents, for helping to instill in me the desire to read and learn and that you can only stop being a student and learning when you die.
My high school principal, L.D. Bruce, who was also my football coach, who taught me to get up and carry on after being knocked down.
What are your goals as an educator? My goal and desire is for our students to have what they need to be successful in any endeavor they choose to embark upon, and to be good contributing citizens of our community.
Why did you choose teaching as a career? Even though I started my career as an educator later in life, I always wanted to teach and coach. It is the most wonderful thing in the world to see a child struggle with and idea or concept, and then see the light in their eyes when they finally grasp it. John Dewey said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”
Assistant Principal: Scott Hays
I graduated from Jacksonville State University, and I have been working in the education field since 1999. I have worked at Cedar Bluff School, Centre Middle School, and Centre Elementary. I am glad to have the opportunity to work at Gaylesville School. As an administrator, I strive to assist my co-workers in preparing each student for what lies ahead. I feel that education is the key to a cooperative, productive, and peaceful society. One of my favorite quotes is, “If you think education is expensive, you should try ignorance.”