Beckham receives honor from Kansas principals

Beckham

The Fort Scott High School principal was recently recognized as the Area II High School Principal Honoree by the Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals.

"As a teacher I had the privilege of working directly with students, helping them on a daily basis to prepare for their future," Beckham said during a recent interview with The Fort Scott Tribune. "It was great being personally involved in their lives ... Now as principal I have the opportunity to help teachers help kids ... I still get to help kids -- just indirectly."

Beckham, who has worked in USD 234 for 20 years, started his teaching career at Altoona-Midway High School in 1984 where he taught biology, health and physical education until 1988. He also coached boys football, basketball, track and baseball.

He began teaching biology at FSHS in 1989, and in 1997, he worked for one year as a warehouse supervisor at Valu-Merchandisers. He then returned to FSHS to teach social science for one year and coach football, girls basketball and track. He also served as activities director for seven years. He is currently in his fourth year as the head administrator at FSHS.

Beckham, who learned about the honor this summer, said the award "is a direct reflection of having dedicated staff members doing whatever it takes to help students prepare for a successful future."

USD 234 Superintendent Rick Werling said he was "thrilled" that Beckham was chosen for the organization's honor.

"An emphasis on academics is what separates him," Werling said. "He understands what it means for the students ... Being a FSHS graduate, he cares a lot about the school ... He looks at it as these are people's children, and in fact, his own children."

As a district employee the last two decades, Beckham is "very easy to work with," and a "team player," Werling said.

When asked what he likes best about his job and working with today's youth, Beckham said, "I really value the relationships I get to develop with staff members ... I love the energy young people exhibit -- their enthusiasm keeps me young."

After his career in education comes to an end, Beckham said he wants to be remembered as a teacher, coach and administrator who "expects the best from kids, and recognizes the best in kids."

The award was presented to Beckham during an awards banquet at the KASSP Annual Fall Conference on Nov. 10 in Wichita.

KASSP is an organization of more than 500 secondary school principals from across the state. Beckham was nominated and selected by peer principals. Candidates are evaluated on his or her school leadership, school improvement, dedication, professionalism, and service to students, a news release from the organization said.

The statement said the KASSP wished to congratulate Beckham and Fort Scott High School. Area II of the KASSP is made up of 15 Southeast Kansas counties, including Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Crawford, Coffey, Elk, Greenwood, Labette, Linn, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties.