Sammy Smith, principal of DeRidder High School, has been named a 2025-2026 Beauregard Parish Principal of the Year.
The Louisiana Department of Education sponsors the Excellent Educators Award Program annually to recognize the state’s most exceptional administrators. Those principals who are committed to creating an environment for student success, who demonstrate innovative leadership qualities, and who support teachers to help students achieve at their highest levels are considered for the program.
Smith has been an educator for fourteen years, serving the past three as principal of DeRidder High School. He began his career as a teacher and coach at Leesville High School teaching science as well as coaching football and powerlifting. He then moved to DeQuincy High School to teach science and coach football and track. He also taught science at South Beauregard High School before being appointed as the Assistant Principal at DeRidder High School in 2020 and Assistant Principal at DeQuincy High School in 2022 before moving back to DeRidder High School to serve as principal.
During his tenure as principal, he has served as the National Association of Secondary School Principals State Coordinator (2023 – present), the Louisiana Association of Principals Board of Directors (2023- present), and as the Chairperson for District 3-4A (2022-2023).
He earned his Bachelor of Science and his Master of Education in Health Promotions from McNeese State University and has attained his alternative teaching certification and his Educational Leader certification as well as certifications in Health and Physical Education, General Science, and Biology. He holds a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as well.
Smith strives to create a school culture defined by acceptance, support, safety, and a sense of belonging. Leading a school towards this climate involves spending the time to get to know the teachers, students, and stakeholders who are a central part of the culture.
His philosophy of education is to focus on the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. Helping young people develop into successful adults means building more than just knowledge. He wants to invest in their lives by getting to know them, developing their interests, and giving them a safe space to learn and grow so that they can be successful in the classroom and beyond.
He finds time to drive the bus for various clubs, band, and sports activities because he believes that supporting students in the pursuit of their passions is invaluable to creating the relationships which support a positive school atmosphere and lends to their overall success in high school.
“Investing time in informal conversations, making meaningful connections, and engaging people on a personal level helps them feel valued, supported, and enables them create the conditions for success,” Smith explained.
Smith believes that: Passion drives the profession. People in education must have passion for their subjects and for investing their time and experience to benefit their students. One’s educational background, experience, and knowledge of pedagogy are important, but a truly effective teacher or administrator must have a passion for what they are doing to make the biggest difference.
“It is the desire and calling to touch lives that will impact a person’s success as an educator,” he said.
His favorite thing about being a principal is seeing the change in students’ lives. In high school, there is a certain amount of growth and achievement that must take place for students to reach their goal of graduation. Smith is proud to be a part of helping students, especially those who might struggle academically or behaviorally, make positive changes and succeed. He considers it a privilege to speak to their lives and influence the teachers and staff who help guide them through their journey toward becoming successful adults.
“To know that I have a part in the shaping of these young lives to hopefully have a productive life is the most rewarding part of being a principal,” he concluded.
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