Winnsboro, SC Celebrates Principal Tracie Anderson Swilley as National Principal of the Year
In an exciting announcement amid National Principals Month, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has recognized Tracie Anderson Swilley, the inspiring principal of Fairfield Central High School in Winnsboro, South Carolina, as the 2025 NASSP National Principal of the Year. This honor shines a light on her incredible contributions to education and her unwavering dedication to her students and community.
A Model Leader
“Tracie is the real deal,” expressed NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Her leadership has transformed Fairfield Central into a model of learning. The way she cultivates future leaders and champions a culture of high expectations is precisely what we need more of in our education system.” These words underline how a principal’s influence can extend beyond the school to shape entire communities.
A Year of Achievement
During Anderson Swilley’s leadership, Fairfield Central High School has achieved some remarkable milestones:
- The school has seen a huge leap in math proficiency rates amongst Black students, rising from 46% to 74%, and reading proficiency climbing from 60% to 76% in just three years.
- Fairfield Central has recorded its highest graduation rate in history at 90.1%, just two years into Anderson Swilley’s tenure.
- A staggering 81% of the 2024 graduating class has been accepted into two or four-year colleges.
These achievements are particularly impressive given that a whole 100% of the students at Fairfield Central qualify for free and reduced-price meals, showcasing that with dedication and support, students from all backgrounds can succeed.
Empowerment and Growth
Anderson Swilley doesn’t stop at just mentoring students; she is committed to empowering her staff too. She has supported many of her assistant principals in moving up to the principalship and promoted teachers to become assistant principals. By fostering homegrown talent, she is building a sustainable framework of leadership within her school.
Her belief is simple yet profound: “Everyone can achieve with proper assistance and support.” Anderson Swilley backs this up with data-driven strategies to help her faculty and staff adopt best practices that can significantly improve student outcomes.
Innovative Approaches
Some of Anderson Swilley’s innovative initiatives include:
- Launching a school-wide initiative known as “Griffin Pride” to turn around negative perceptions and bolster school spirit.
- Partnering with Eau Claire Cooperative Health to offer telehealth appointments for students, ensuring they have access to medical care without barriers.
- Adding extra buses to provide transportation home after extracurricular activities, guaranteeing that all students can participate in school life equitably.
A Special Recognition Ceremony
The announcement of her award took place during a dazzling gala at NASSP’s Illuminate celebration, which serves as a remarkable platform for current and former State Principals of the Year. This event not only recognizes outstanding leaders in education but also helps them harness their advocacy skills to further improve their schools and communities.
Looking Ahead
With the NASSP expanding its recognition program in 2025 to include both middle level and high school leaders for state and national awards, the future of educational leadership looks bright. You can find more information on this initiative by visiting NASSP’s website.
As we celebrate Anderson Swilley’s achievements, it’s clear that she embodies the spirit of dedication that today’s schools need. Her story is not just about personal success—it’s a beacon of hope for educators everywhere striving to make a difference.
