DeAnna Williams was voted in unanimously as the new principal of Rockmart High School during the Tuesday, June 5 school board meetings.

Williams grew up in Cedartown and graduated from Cedartown High School in 1990.

She has been in education for 17 years having taught one year in Paulding County and one year at Cedartown High School. She has been at RHS for 15 years and was serving as vice principal before being selected as the new principal

"Growing up in Cedartown, I don’t think I appreciated the 'home-town' atmosphere as a kid as much as I should have," Williams said. "Now that I’m an adult, I see what a powerful impact positive community involvement has on a school."

Williams said one of her goals as the new principal was to held make RHS even better.

"I’d like to see RHS students go beyond success in academics to excelling in academics," Williams said. "Our students are more than capable. We have some of the brightest students being taught by some of the best educators in the business."

She noted that academic excellence isn’t achieved by classroom teachers and school leaders alone. Williams said RHS will need the support of parents and the community to see its students go beyond the basics.

She also had advise for returning students and incoming freshmen.

"Every student gets only one chance at high school, so don’t blow it off and simply play school. If you do, you will live to regret it,"

Williams said she has a different philosophy than most people when it comes to the high school years.

"I believe high school is not a time to sit back, do a bit of work to get by, and hope that it was enough," Williams said. "High school is like a spring board into life. I’d advise students to work hard and take advantage of every educational opportunity that comes their way."

Williams said she advises students to not avoid the stuff that’s difficult because it conflicts with their social lives. Sacrifices now will pay one’s social life. She said having friends and participating in activities is important, but students must learn to keep things balances so they won't have regrets later.