Gwinnett Daily Post

WINDER - The Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals has recognized an administrator at Winder-Barrow High School as the Assistant Principal of the Year.

Al Darby was recognized for his outstanding accomplishments at the school and his involvement in the community, according to a news release from Barrow County Schools.

Darby is dedicated to programs that benefit every student in the county, the news release states. He is a facilitator of the College for Every Student Program, and he coordinates transitional programs for participating students from elementary to middle school and from middle to high school.

Darby was also instrumental in providing the Barrow County Board of Education with detailed research on single-gender classrooms, which resulted in the creation of a pilot program at Winder-Barrow Middle School, the news release states.

The award is a reflection of the students, faculty and staff at the school, Darby said.

"I am surrounded by some of the most gifted and caring students I have ever had the privilege of teaching," Darby said in a statement. "Rob Johnson is a principal beyond compare. Our faculty and staff are just outstanding - the absolute best."

Darby, a graduate of Winder-Barrow High School who is working on his doctorate in educational leadership at Nova Southeastern University, will receive a $500 award during the winter conference in Atlanta of the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders.