CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Great Bridge Middle School in Chesapeake dedicated a new courtyard Tuesday afternoon in honor of a former principal with decades under his belt.
The dedication recognized Craig Mills' 47 years of service to the community and Chesapeake Public Schools.
His career began in 1975 as a band director at Great Bridge Junior High School. He later became the assistant principal, then principal, at B.M. Williams Primary. After that, he served as principal at Great Bridge Middle School for 12 years.
"The words that come to mind when you think about Craig Mills are devoted, dedicated, educator," Great Bridge Middle School Principal Heather Martin told 13News Now. "He was very kind and compassionate and always put students first."
Ellie Carter, an 8th-grade student at the school, described Mills as passionate about what he does and cares about the students.
Catherine Cleavenger, a teacher at the school, praised him for being soft-spoken but getting his points across.
Mills retired in 2022 after 47 years with Chesapeake Public Schools.