Doyle named principal of Huey L. Porter Middle

By Inesha Jackson

Now that school has begun, Huey L. Porter Middle School’s newly appointed principal, Henry Doyle Jr., Ed.S, is elated about this school year and his new role as principal. 

    “Things are going well at Huey L. Porter Middle School! We have established a culture of high expectations, and we have developed routines and procedures as well. Our theme for this year is ‘Success Under Construction.’ Right now, we are laying the foundation for success by creating an atmosphere of teaching and learning. Everything we do has student success at the nucleus. If we cannot see how something positively affects students’ outcomes, we do not do it,” Doyle said. 

According to Doyle, the vision at Huey L. Porter Middle School is to construct a safe, energetic, and successful school that embraces a high expectation of teaching and learning. Also, to construct a school that empowers students to be productive, responsible, creative, and one that builds a strong foundation for life-long learning. 

“I expect the students and staff to do their absolute best in everything they do in  academics, athletics, and everything else. I express often that if everyone does their best, I cannot ask for anything more,” Doyle said. 

Doyle takes after his late high school principal, Huey L. Porter, with a quote that he’d often tell his students, “Do me proud!” Doyle has found himself consistently encouraging his students with the same quote. 

“I have used it so much that now the students have begun telling me that they are going to ‘do me proud’ before I get the chance to say it! It has become our mantra and I count it an honor to be able to carry that part of Mr. Porter’s legacy into Huey L. Porter Middle School,” Doyle said. 

    Doyle explained that the transition from teacher to principal has been a huge adjustment for him. A role as such comes greater responsibility. “I quickly learned that I cannot do it all by myself. Having a carefully chosen leadership team and an experienced office staff is making the transition much easier. Each person on the team carries out their roles and responsibilities that feed into our overall vision for the school,” Doyle said.

“Teachers, students, and staff can learn that a good leader supports the people he leads. I do not ask teachers, students, or staff to do anything I am not willing to help them do. I am in the trenches with them. I am visual and available,” Doyle said. He found a passion for teaching and working with children while serving as a substitute and assistant teacher in the Canton Public School District (CPSD). He has also worked as a permanent substitute at the former Sacred Heart Catholic School and unit director for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Mississippi Walker Unit. 

Doyle’s goal for the school year is to create a culture and climate that is conducive to learning. He strongly believes there is a correlation between the learning environment and successful schools. “I plan to achieve this goal by modeling expectations, keeping an open line of communication with both the teachers and the community, and last but not least, giving the students a voice, giving them respect, and giving them direction. Many adults do not realize the value of showing students respect and recognizing that what we say and how we treat them, impacts the adults they become. Once a student knows that you care, they will move mountains to make you proud,” Doyle said. 

To the students of Huey L. Porter Middle School, Principal Henry Doyle Jr., Ed.S said “You are a Tiger, a Huey Porter Tiger, and your success is under construction . . .Your destiny is in your hands. You will overcome obstacles that stand in your way!”