The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) has named Andalusia High School Principal Dr. Daniel Shakespeare as District 2, 2018 Principal of the Year.

“I genuinely appreciate the honor of being selected as principal of the year,” Shakespeare said.

The principal is affectionately called “Doc” by AHS students.

He said that he stays at the top of his game each day by focusing on relationships with his students, faculty, parents and community. 

“The top of my game is about relationships,” Shakespeare said. “I guess when you look at it, here at Andalusia, the best thing is providing a positive, safe learning environment for the students. So when I think about what keeps me at the top of my game, it has to be the relationships I have.”

Shakespeare said that the best part of his job is having a lasting relationship with the students.

“When they come through the school, the relationship doesn’t end when they graduate,” he said. “It continues when they leave.”

Shakespeare became principal of AHS in 2003.

“I didn’t think I would ever be principal of the year,” Shakespeare said. “But I love what I do. Being around kids keeps you young.”

Shakespeare credits his hard work and dedication to his ninth grade biology teacher, Dorothy Crawford.

“She saw something in me that I didn’t see,” Shakespeare said. “She encouraged me to be a better student in high school and also, encouraged me to go on to college.”

Andalusia City Schools Superintendent Ted Watson said, “Dr. Shakespeare is an education veteran who has been performing at an extremely high level of competency for almost 40 years. It never surprises me when a person is recognized for excellence after giving so much of himself to his students, staff, and community. I salute Dr. Shakespeare for a job well done and for this most recent honor.”