An impressive crowd came out to mingle with the Troy City Schools three new principals Thursday for a community meet and greet.

A line formed in the cafeteria and stretched out into the hallways of the Hank Jones Early Childhood Center as people waited their turn to meet or reacquaint themselves with the new administrators.

Educators, parents, students and community leaders were all represented as they congregated and took turns meeting principals Kathy Murphy, Bradley Bouldin, Juan Henderson and their families.

“I’m glad we were able to arrange this event,” said TCS Superintendent Linda Felton-Smith.

“Today marks the first day for the principals.”

While it was officially the first day, at least one administrator got a head start.

“There’s a lot to do during the summer,” middle school principal Bouldin said.

“I’ve been working here all week trying to get my feet on the ground and meeting everybody, and I’m just excited about this year’s prospects.”

And several members of the community were excited about the new principals.

“I think they’re going to be great contributors,” said Yvonne Wilson.

As a board of education employee, Wilson had already had the opportunity to interact with them.

“Dr. Murphy, Mr. Bouldin and Mr. Henderson are excited to be aboard, and I think they’ll be a great asset to what’s already been established there at Troy City Schools,” she said.

Cathy Flynn, assistant professor of kinesiology at Troy University, has seen Charles Henderson High School principal Murphy come a long way.

“I used to teach her here (at the University),” she said.

Flynn commented on the close-knit education community that exists in Troy.

“If you stay in long enough people come back to Troy,” she said.

And for that she was pleased.

“I’m really glad to see new blood and old blood returning,” Flynn said. “It does my heart good.”

The three principals cut a cake that read ‘Welcome to Troy City Schools,’ each knowing their job will be more than a piece of cake.

Jeff and Amy Spurlock, both university professors, said they thought the new administrators were up for the challenge.

“All three principals appear to be intelligent and knowledgeable, and that’s what we need,” Jeff said.

His wife, Amy, who just saw her son graduate as the valedictorian of CHHS, was glad to see healthy community participation.

“I think the community turnout has been wonderful,” she said.