Goodbye to Principal Padgett

A grassy field won't be Padgett's only legacy to Ocracoke School.  The strength of Ocracoke School's academic program allowed Padgett to focus on building athletics.  During his two year tenure, Padgett added new sports and worked to beautify the campus. 

In his first year the school added a cross country team.  2011-2012 saw the inception of Dolphin baseball, and the inaugural volleyball practice will be August 1.  "It was the right time and the right place for me.  I'm glad we were able to do those things," said Padgett.

"Academics didn't suffer," said Padgett.  "I know good teaching when I see it, and we have excellent teachers."  The school may go from being a School of Excellence to an Honor School of Excellence, said Padgett.  "I don't know the difference, but it sounds good!" he laughed. 

Moving away does not mean giving up the ties he forged with students and the community.  "Oh, shoot.  I'll be back a couple times a year," Padgett promised. 

His wife of 24 years, Judy, was unable to make the full time commitment to living on Ocracoke, and Padgett resigned with mixed emotions.  "I'd stay another ten years if Judy could be here full time with me," said Padgett.   "As much as I love this job, I love my wife more."  Judy continues her career as a speech pathologist in St. Paul, Virginia.

Although he'd never been to Ocracoke before applying for the job, Padgett said he and Judy both fell in love with the island on their first visit.  "It was about this time of year, and I got caught in a downpour and was soaked at the interview," he recalls.

He botched a question about the school mascot, naming the Hurricanes, the rival school on Hatteras.  Padgett left convinced he wouldn't get the job.  Then Hyde School Superintendent Dr. Lattimore called. 

Most of the questions centered around community, said Padgett.  "I knew it was going to be different.  Our school is truly the center of the community.  Everyone that takes pride in their school wants to say that."

Padgett is hale and gregarious, with an easy-going southern charm.  He was a career public school teacher, coach and administrator in southwestern Virginia, near the Tennessee border, before retiring and accepting the position on Ocracoke. 

In his 36 years as an educator, Padgett said he's never had a bad day.  "I've never not wanted to go to work."  While he has visions of returning to Wise County, Virginia and "being a kept man," playing golf, cheering on the teams his son Seth coaches, and spending time with his 84 year old father, it is more likely he will continue to help young people grow through athletics. 

He is hoping to teach golf and weightlifting at a community college, which has the added benefit of giving him access to the golf course and health center. 

"I love coaching.  Coaching is teaching.  The sole purpose is not to teach the kids just how to win.  You also teach them how to lose.  It builds character," said Padgett.  He admires the work of Ocracoke School Physical Education teacher Adam Burleson.  "He just wants to see the kids get better," said Padgett.

He relishes the friendship he formed with Ocracoke School Secretary Lisa Caswell.  "Lisa is the greatest thing ever.  Nobody compares to Lisa.  She wears so many hats and can juggle so many things," he said.  "She runs the show.  Some days I'd walk in and we'd just start laughing." 

Padgett attended every home and away basketball game, and often helped broadcast the games live on WOVV, 90.1 FM.  He stepped in to umpire and referee games when contracted officials didn't make it due to inclement weather.  Padgett appreciated the opportunity to perform in the spring production of MacBeth.  He enjoyed playing in a benefit basketball game pitting the coaches from Ocracoke against the Hatteras coaches.  "If they'd let me shoot more, we might have won," he said, smiling.

All three of Padgett's new hires are returning to work with Ocracoke students in 2012-2013.   He is hopeful the work he started to bring a greenhouse to the school will come to fruition.  A grant would fund the construction, and allow students and community members to partner in raising vegetables. 

Planning for another grant, for an outdoor classroom, also is underway.

A soccer program Padgett envisions could start "if we get a dang field."  Many community members are working together to make that happen.  "Vince O'Neal and David Scott Esham are not going to rest until we get a field for the kids," said Padgett.

"I've had so much fun here, working with the community and with the kids," he said. 

Jim and Mary Ellen Piland took Padgett in, feeding him meals, and otherwise making him feel initially welcomed, he said.  Padgett shared his love of golf with Jim, Newt Sharber, and David Tolson and has fond memories of trips off island to swing clubs.

The night Ocracoke School English teacher Charles Temple won Jeopardy! was also prom night, and the entire high school watched at Gaffer's Sports Pub.  "Crowning the Prom King and Queen at a bar with a Bud Light sign in the background" was a unique experience, he laughed. 

The best advice Padgett would offer newly hired Principal Laura Kelly is to "just be part of the community."  "It's been a good two years.  I'm blessed to have the opportunity to have been here," he said. 

A friendship with David Bundy and Roy Revels led to Padgett's summer gig, working the counter at Zillie's Island Pantry on Back Road.  Stop by Zillie's in the next two weeks to thank him for his investment in Ocracoke kids and community, and to wish him a fond bon voyage.