After spending time in Sumter County, Stoney Pritchett is returning home to be the principal at Selma High School.

“I want to give back to the community especially with the students,” he said. “I want to be a  role model and be a positive influence to them.

“Since I made it they can make it as well,” said Pritchett. “As long as they trust in the Lord, be disciplined, they will be successful.

“That is important for the whole community,” he said.

Pritchett played all sports in school including basketball, football and baseball.

He received a scholarship to the University of West Alabama for football, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in special education.

He returned to the University of West Alabama to obtain two master’s degrees in instructional leadership and school counseling.

Pritchett’s career began in August 2005 when he was a Paraprofessional in Gilbertown for the Southern Choctaw High School until May of 2006 where he assisted special need students in all subject areas and designed lesson plans.

From there, he went to become the SPED teacher at York West End Junior High School in Sumter County from August of 2006 to May of 2013.

He also served as a SPED Teacher at the Oxford Board of Education school system from August 2013 to May 2014.

Pritchett became the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director in August of 2014. At Sumter Central High School.

He served in this position until July 2015 when he became the Principal at Sumter Central High School until moving to accept the position here in Selma.

“I haven’t been home since 2001,” said Pritchett. “I’m going to work to improve our test scores, improve discipline and structure and bring pride back.”

Pritchett said he hopes to bring back the same pride he felt and still feels today about the school.

“I’m a Selma Saint and always will be,” said “I think some kids have lost their pride, and I want them to be proud of the school like I am.”

“We are excited to have Mr. Pritchett on our team,” said Selma School System Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams. “We are definitely excited about the experience that he brings to the table already having served as a high school principal, and the fact that he is from the community and that he can serve as a role model to also bring a sense of pride to our school and students.

“When you have someone, who is a product of Selma who is now leading, that speaks volumes,” she said.

Pritchett’s wife, Stacie, also will be working in the Selma City School system as a special education teacher.

Their children: Stoni, Stori, Sydni and Dakarri also will be in the system.