Seven different individuals took home the AHSAAA Making a Difference Award earlier this month and Pike County High School Principal Willie Wright was one of them.

Wright along with his fellow honorees will be recognized at the Championship Coaches Banquet on July 19 at the Renaissance Montgomery Convention Center.

The award was established in 2011 by the AHSAA and AHSADCA and it recognizes individuals who go beyond their normal duties as a coach, teacher or administrator to make a positive impact in their schools and communities.

Wright was one of two principals to win the award. They are joined by three athletic directors, one basketball and one track and field coach. One athletic director is also the football coach.

“The recipients in this 2019 Making a difference class are excellent examples of men and women who take their positions as role models for their students, faculty and community very seriously. Each have had a major positive impact in their communities and schools and across the state and are excellent choices for what this award stands for,” said AHSAA Executive Director Steve Saverse in a press release last week.

Wright became principal at Pike County High School in 2011 after he spent time as vice principal at the high school and principal at Pike County Elementary.

During his time at the school, Pike County won various awards including winning bronze medal by U.S. News and World Reports as part of the magazine’s “Best High Schools” throughout the country in 2008, 2009 and 2016. The school was recognized by Yellowhammer News as one of the top 25 Safest High Schools in Alabama.

Apart from being an administrator, Wright is also the Brundidge Recreation Department Director and he coaches his daughter’s seven and under softball team.