LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

David Hitt

Position: Principal
School: Waycross Middle School
School District: Ware County School District
City, State: Waycross, GA

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Music that Describes David

David Hitt was nominated by his colleague, Sheila Sholtis.

When you walk through the doors of Waycross Middle School, Mr. Hitt is always on the scene. His presence is known, and he is highly visible to teachers, staff, and most importantly, to the students.

Mr. Hitt is a retired Army veteran who chose to continue working in his community by becoming an educator and principal. Raising the flags each morning and taking them down every evening, his commitment to his school building is obvious. He runs his school in such a fluid, safe manner. Each student knows Mr. Hitt has high expectations and wants to see them do their very best. He's always willing to help someone in need, and he leads by example.

Students have said he "leads us down the right path, makes sure the school is safe, makes the school a very happy place, is a hard working man, has a good spirit and kind heart, will do whatever it takes to help us learn, is very well disciplined, is self-confident, knows how to solve a problem without chaos, is very trustworthy, and always says something positive to make someone's day better." According to staff and students, Mr. Hitt has a contagious passion for helping others succeed. He demonstrates patience and carries himself with confidence because he knows that his school is one of the best.

"Mr. Hitt is our LifeChanger because of the way he impacts the entire community," said Sholtis. "Parents, teachers, staff, and students all want to be better in our daily lives because we want Mr. Hitt to be proud of us."

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Comments (10)

Samantha Burrell Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hitt was the 7th grade social studies teacher and team leader at Waycross Middle School many years ago when I started teaching at WXMS. Even way back then he knew that he would have a huge impact on WXMS. After three years at Waycross Middle, Mr. Hitt found an opportunity at Ware County High as an assistant principal. Four years later, he came back to Waycross Middle School as our principal. That was about eight or nine years ago. Waycross Middle has benefited from Mr. Hitt’s vision of what our middle school should be and his pre-teaching experiences, teaching experiences, and administrative experiences have helped him shape WXMS into a school that students, parents, staff, and the community are proud to be a part of. Waycross Middle is considered an inner city school and like many other inner schools, the diversity of our students is extreme. The students at Waycross Middle are representative of just about every culture, socioeconomic level, ability level, and readiness level. But one thing they have in common is that they are proud to be Bulldogs. They are proud to be Bulldogs because Mr. Hitt works hard to give students access to activities that make them want to come to school and strive for excellence in both their activities and their academics. Students also respect Mr. Hitt. When they struggle with making good choices he’s there.When they are successful they seek his acknowledgement he’s there. It’s not uncommon to see him walking and talking down the hallway to a student about their challenges or their accomplishments. A good leader knows how to evaluate, change and adapt. A good leader listens. A good leader does what is necessary even when it’s not always popular. A good leader has to make difficult decisions. A good leader has to look past the personal and be objective about the performance. Mr. Hitt is a good leader. Mr. Hitt’s influenced and changed my professional life which in turn has been life changing for the students I teach. I wouldn’t say I was a bad teacher but I will say that I am definitely a better teacher since Mr. Hitt returned to Waycross Middle. The realization of Mr. Hitt’s vision for Waycross Middle to be a life changing school has taken time and patience. A lot of time and a lot of patience. Over the years though, because he stayed true to his vision, because he is a good leader, because he is a LIFE CHANGER, Mr. Hitt has successfully built WXMS into a school that positively changes the lives of students, parents, and teachers.

Shelly Bristow Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hitt is a great leader! I love working in the environment, he provides for each and everyone of his staff. He makes sure everyone knows that, they can come talk with him and he will listen, along with each and everyone of his students. He goes above and beyond for the people around him.

Randy Buck Posted over a year ago

I have had the opportunity to work with Mr. Hitt for 3 years. He is a real leader for the entire school and inspires everyone in the building to do their best. I think that Mr. Hitt gets the best out of students and staff. Mr. Hitt is truly an inspirational mentor for our whole school and he devotes his time and resources to make Waycross Middle School a great place to go to school. He demonstrates such patience and empathy for all people that he comes into contact with. I believe that David Hitt is very deserving of the Lifechanger of The Year Award.

Loren Rae Grace Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hitt embodies servant leadership.

Jamie chaney Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hitt was first my 7th grade social studies teacher. His class was the one I looked forward to daily, even though I hated social studies! I continued to visit his classroom every morning even after I was out of his class! He then became my high school assistant principal. I don’t think there was a student in the school that he didn’t know their name! He made it his mission to make a connection with each student. Now, many years later he is now the principal in the school I teach in.. which happens to be the same middle school he first became my teacher. I cannot express enough how deserving Mr. Hitt is of this nomination.

Laura Lott Posted over a year ago

I had the pleasure of working as a teacher under David Hitt for 3 years. He is top notch! Not only does he genuinely care about ALL students, but he also cares about his entire staff. He always goes above and beyond his “duties”. I don’t think I ever went to any school event that he wasn’t there supporting “his” school. Not only is he a great principal but he is also an excellent roll model for kids. While working there I had a tragic family emergency and was out for an extended period. He never once questioned how long I would be out. Instead he supported me, checked on me, prayed for me, & was there for my entire family every step of the way! David Hitt is the perfect person for this award.

Jennifer Strickland Posted over a year ago

Mr.Hitt is a wonderful principal who cares about the well being of the students, teachers, & staff. He is dedicated to pushing students & teachers to give their best. He is encouraging & works tirelessly to make our school a great place. He has been my own children’s principal and they think the world of him. He does so many extra things around our school that isn’t in his job description (maintenance, mows the grass, counseling). He is so deserving of this award.

Gail Burris Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hitt wears many hats at Waycross Middle School and does each one with patience and dedication. Students and teachers find him easy to talk to and connect with. He has an open door policy which means he is always available to help with any concerns or problems that may arise. He is a great selection for Life Changer of the Year award.

Amiyah Elam Posted over a year ago

Nobody would be better for this honor than Mr. Hitt! He was my principal for 3 years, and they were the best three years of my education so far! He treats every student as if they are his own kids! I don’t think I will have a better mentor than him. He is phenomenal! Best wishes to him!

Gayla LeMay Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hitt leads his staff and students with a quite strength that encourages each of them to be the best they can be. He believes in the students and pushes them to believe in themselves. He gives his staff the foundation to be the teachers the students need. He has build an environment of learning that goes beyond books and Waycross Middle as a whole is better because of his leadership.