Habersham Central has been a central part of Jonathan Stribling’s life. He graduated from the school in 1994 and returned 16 years later as CTAE director and assistant principal. In 2017, he was promoted to principal.
Now, Stribling is leaving his alma mater for the last time.
Stribling will assume his new job as assistant superintendent of schools in White County this July. On his way out, he oversaw his last graduation in Habersham County Friday night.
“I will miss here; you need to know that,” he told Now Habersham ahead of the ceremony. While he kept the focus on the seniors—”graduation’s about the students,” he said, “graduation’s not about me—” he also took a brief moment to reflect on his time at the school.
“I have great friends here and I am so appreciative of the teachers and the leaders that I have gotten to work with in Habersham County. It’s truly been a blessing,” Stribling said.
During his 22 years as an educator, Stribling has taught in Stephens, White, and Habersham counties. He is returning to White County, where he lives, and calls the new job “a great opportunity.”
As assistant superintendent, Stribling will oversee capital projects, human resources, finance, safety, school nutrition, technology, and transportation for White County Schools.
Calling Friday night’s graduation ceremony at Central “very special,” Stribling made his way onto the field. Before handing out the diplomas, he gave his signature call for the last time as the seniors chimed in: “Students, faculty, family, and friends, today is Friday, May the 24th, and this is the day of the Raiders.”
