Principal Chas Coker was named a Star Principal by Charleston County School District on Dec. 16. 

“Every year the… school district honors a principal from each level: high school, elementary, [and] middle, as kind of a star principal of the year. You get to go to the gala in March and be celebrated,” Coker said. “It’s… given to whoever [is] nominated by colleagues in the area and gets voted upon by a committee that’s outside of the school district… you have to answer a few questions and then they come and surprise you with the award.”

Coker’s wife and children attended the announcement on campus to help deliver the wonderful news.

“I got called on the radio… and the urgency on the radio sparked my concern, so I immediately tried to go to the Rotunda as fast as I can,” Coker said. “ And then as I was going, I see my 4-year-old daughter and my 6-year-old daughter sprinting towards me… immediately anxiety went down and… it was a fun surprise. So I was not expecting it [Monday] morning at all. It was… a good surprise on a Monday.”

After only two years at Wando, Coker is already being acknowledged for all of the hard work he has put into the school.

“I think I won because of the amazing kids and staff here at Wando High School… I consider myself lucky to be a part of a team and,” Coker said. “I just happen to be the… name at the top… so to me, it’s just… a great reflection of Wando High School more than it is of myself.”