Maury Perkins earns CCSD ‘Principal of the Year’

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

Charles Arthur Hughes Middle School Principal Maurice Perkins was named Principal of the Year for the Clark County School District in a presentation ceremony held in Las Vegas on April 16.
“It was total surprise when they showed up at the school announcing I was nominated and now to win the award,” Perkins said.

The trip to principal of the year began when Perkins was nominated by regional leadership for the district and the April 1 visit from the leadership to “surprise” him with being one of four finalists for the category award.

The annual Starlight Awards recognized over 800 teachers, staff, employees, volunteers and more within the school district this year. The annual rewards are produced with a full dinner and gala style awards show. This year it was held with the theme “An Evening of Excellence” giving recognition to those who have excelled in providing excellent work ethic and superior characteristics.

Even though the trip has come to a new height the actual journey started a long time ago as Perkins is now in his 13th year of being principal and 24th year employed within the school district.

Perkins even graduated within the district from Virgin Valley High School. His first position as an educator was working at his alma mater teaching Spanish and ESL classes. He temporarily left his home of Mesquite to be an administrator at a Las Vegas school, but when the chance came to come closer to home, he took it. He served a few years as the Dean of Moapa Valley High School before coming full circle back to Charles Hughes Middle School.

“I have had some great opportunities to work with some amazing people who have taught me a lot and I will always be thankful for them,” Perkins said.

Perkins is married to Christy with five children, four boys and one girl. He spent some time after high school serving an LDS mission to Spokane, Wash.

He has always had a love for sports being heavily involved in either coaching or being an avid fan for football, flag football, basketball, baseball and all others.

As for a good meal, Perkins enjoys Mexican food and says his favorite cuisine depends on the cook.
As for future plans, he said he loves what he is doing and where he is now.

His “hippocratic oath” within education has come down to making decisions based on what is best for the students.
“There is a lot more success when students are the top priority,” he said.

Perkins said he loves to see students rise above challenges and obstacles, enjoying the fruits of their labors and accomplishments.

He gave full honor and gratitude to the Hughes staff and the community of Mesquite for their support and hard work.
“I am honored personally, but this is more the result of the staff at Hughes Middle School,” Perkins said with a small smile.