PALATKA, Fla. — When Michael Chaires graduated from Palatka Junior Senior High School decades ago, he didn't have plans to be in education, let alone an assistant principal.
“I had no idea that I would be here. Much less even back here at our school,” Chaires said.
He's now Florida's Assistant Principal of the Year.
Michael Chaires was up against more than 60 other assistant principals throughout the state. His colleagues at Palatka Junior Senior High School say they were not surprised to find out that he won.
“We were actually anticipating the announcement because we knew how qualified he was and how much of an asset he has to the school in this community,” Katherine Oyster, Palatka Junior Senior High School Principal, explained.
Chaires doesn't see this award as an accolade for himself, but for his school.
“I'm not sure what I do different than anybody else,” he said.
His coworkers who nominated him year after year disagree.
“He understands the frustrations teachers have, he understands the frustration students have. And he pushes them, he still is there for them,” added Palatka Junior Senior High School counselor Marlene Ogle.
And even after the celebratory parades and pep rallies, Chaires focus of why he gets up every morning stays the same.
“I know when I was their age that I didn't necessarily know all the answers obviously, and had people in my life back then that were able to guide me into what I am today,” Chaires mentioned.
Hoping all of his students also find where they belong in the classroom.