Those who have ever had the experience of being sent to the principal’s office may well have some stories they would like to tell. If that principal was Tommie Howell, they might have the chance on Feb. 5 when the Bainbridge Pilot Club roasts the popular principal.
Howell has been principal of Bainbridge High School for 13 years, and involved with the Decatur County Schools for 35 years, having taught science at Hutto for four years, and then at BHS, where he became assistant principal in 1990.
He is truly a home-grown boy, who grew up in West Bainbridge and graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1976. He is a graduate of Bainbridge College, received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University, a masters from Troy and a specialist degree from Valdosta State.
He says what he has enjoyed most about his 35 years in education has been interacting with the students. “Either Education is a calling or it’s a job. For me it’s always been a calling,” he explains.
Asked if there were any skeletons in his closet he feared might be exposed, he laughed and said, “No bad skeletons, and anyone who would know any to tell would have the very same skeletons in theirs.” He claims to have “his sources” who have informed him that Suzi Bonifay is very involved in this project.
Howell said he has an enormous connection to the Pilot Club, or he never would have agreed to be roasted. His late mother was very involved in the Pilot Club, and he has even accompanied her to an international convention in Hawaii. The Pilot Club is also very involved in school related activities and serves as the umbrella organization for the school Anchor Club.
Howell’s wife Amy teaches science at BHS and the couple has two sons, Bryce 17 and Brock 9.
The Pilot Club Roast will be held at Howard Johnson’s on Thursday, February 5 beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, and available from any Pilot Club member, or from the Edward Jones office at 102 E. Broughton Street.