s spotlight
Administrator 2023
OF THE YEAR Dr. Caterria Payton of Pacagoula High
By Cherie Ward When Pascagoula High School Principal Dr. Caterria Payton was a child, she discovered who she wanted to grow up and be in the place that made her feel normal, safe, and secure — her school. Dr. Payton grew up in one of the worst housing projects in New Orleans, and she used her school days as an escape. “If it wasn’t for my teachers and principals, there would not be a Dr. Payton today,” she said. “Without a doubt, I’m where I am today because of my high school principal and my high school teachers.” Those loyal educators gave her the direction she needed to get out of the environment she was in by way of joining the military. “I joined the reserves, and I was able to see what the rest of the world looked like,” she said, adding she always knew she’d pay it forward by someday becoming an educator. And now, Dr. Payton has been tapped as the 2023 Mississippi Administrator of the Year. She was also named the school district’s top administrator in November 2022. “It was a shock because there were so many great people in the running,” she said. “I’m very overwhelmed yet humbled. I accept the award on behalf of the many teachSchool Focus
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Fall 2023
