Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Gardner Is New Principal At Texarkana Junior High

Billy Gardner, a graduate of Henry Bell High School, has been named head principal of North Heights Junior High School in the Texarkana School District. Gardner was assigned the position April 24.

Gardner is also a 1971 graduate of Henderson State University with a bachelor of education degree and of East Texas University with a masters degree in education. Gardner has also completed some doctoral work.

Currently responsible for approximately 733 students, 50 faculty and staff members, and 15 para-professionals, Gardner is the first black individual to become head principal of this school since it was built in 1971.

Gardner expressed thanks to the teachers and community members who contributed to his success. "A special note of appreciation to my parents, Ms. Snell, Ms. Banks, Ms. Stephanie, Ms. Crow, Ms. Turner, Ms. Grundy, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Henry, Ms. Rodgers, Pastor Toney, Bell and Middleton families, neighbors, and friends," stated Gardner.

He also expressed his gratitude to Andy Hatley, the bus driver, who often "fed me in his home and transported me safely to school and on basketball trips."

He said there were other individuals in the community and neighborhood who helped him financially and with good advice he still treasures today.