Tuesday, June 30 closed out Dr. Bert Bright’s lengthy career at Arendell Parrott Academy as he retired from the Headmaster position he has held since 2014. Teachers joined the office, housekeeping, and maintenance staff in cheering a “victory lap” that Bright took in a top-down Jeep, circling the campus that he has so powerfully shaped. 

Coming to APA in 1994 to teach middle school science, Mr. Bright established a strong Science Olympiad program, taking the school’s team to state championships and five top-ten national finishes. After many years of assistant coaching, he moved to head coach of the varsity football team from 2009-2011. 

While working on his Ph.D. he served as assistant headmaster for operations and supervised construction projects that dramatically improved the campus. From 2014 to 2020, he spearheaded multimillion-dollar building campaigns that produced a renovated administration building, new black-box theater, improved sports complex with a training room, and a building to house the school’s extended day program.  

Facing the unprecedented challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic, Bright made an early decision to prepare faculty for a possible shift to online learning. A few days before the Governor closed schools, he officially closed campus and moved Parrott to “virtual” instruction.

Following pandemic protocols, the school community has postponed any large retirement celebration. But Parrott’s 2019 Homecoming halftime honored Bright’s outstanding achievements. And during a recent Board of Trustees meeting, past Board President Wendy Murphy read a tribute, and her husband, Congressman Greg Murphy, made an entry in the Congressional Record to mark Dr. Bright’s retirement and his many accomplishments. 

Incoming Head of School Brooks Sutton said, “He’s been an incredibly empowering leader and colleague during our time together at APA. He has worn many hats over the past 25 years and poured an unmatched level of passion and professionalism into each role. We all wish him the best in his retirement – he’s earned it!”