Dr. Ernie Rosado

GSHS principal

The last school year has been outstanding because of our supporters. We have been through the BP oil spill, economic downturn, national political instability, war in Iraq and Afghanistan, medical issues with our staff and school funding issues throughout the year.

The GSHS staff has embraced our students, took care of their needs, and we didn’t do it alone! Our motto last year was “Do what you do best and teach while caring.” We did it every day even with many medical and family issues with our staff. That’s what a teacher does — continued love for our students.

I would like to thank Dr. Alan Lee, Baldwin County School superintendent; Angie Swiger, school board president; Dr. Pam Henson, curriculum coordinator; Dr. Tom Sisk, human resources; Dale Jernigan, PTSO president; Mike Diehl, Gulf Coast Educational Enrichment Foundation president; Paul Martin, president of the Dolphin Athletic Club, Band Booster Club; Herb Malone, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism president; and the Island Principals (Ms. Pierce, Gulf Shores Elementary; Ellis, Orange Beach Elementary; and Mr. Fountain Gulf Shores Middle) for helping us get through these difficult times at GSHS. They gave us their time, guidance,and support with every issue, and together we survived — servant leadership.

“To change and change for the better are two different things” — German proverb.

We changed for the better and our communities leaders Mayor Robert Craft from Gulf Shores and Mayor Tony Kennon from Orange Beach assisted with resources (sport fields, resource police officer, logistical support, manpower, civic centers, guidance etc.), even though they were going through the same issues as our school.

Vince Lombardi said that individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work and even our school work. Our school and city leaders made this year a success, and it’s great to be on their team.

“Everyone has difficult years but a lot of times the difficult years end up being the greatest years of our entire lives, if you survive them” — Brittany Murphy.

GSHS has survived because of our partners and the support of our parents, leaders, and the GSHS staff.

“Leaders and learning are indispensable to each other” — John F. Kennedy.

We are looking forward to another great school year. Our leadership team: Mark Glassford, assistant principal; Joe Carpenter, assistant principal; and Coach Ben Blackmon, athletic director, are ready to serve.

We are learning every day, and this summer has been busy training, learning, hiring new personnel and getting ready for another outstanding school year. As Mr. Glassford said last week, “We’re all in” to make GSHS the best school in the United States. My question to  you is: Are you in? The GSHS staff is and we are translating visions into reality for our students! Join us on the Dolphin journey.

Dr. Ernie Rosado

GSHS principal