Just minutes before getting a pie in the face, Bridgeport High School Principal Mark DeFazio was presented with a sweet award – and one that caught him off guard.

BHS Student Council President Mitchell Winkie stepped up to the mic and announced that DeFazio had been named West Virginia Student Council Principal of the Year.

 

“I really knew nothing about it,” said DeFazio. “Our student Council nominated me and I was fortunate enough to receive that award.”

 

With a smile and a handshake, Winkie presented DeFazio with a plaque. As the principal walked back to his seat on the other side of the gymnasium, there was widespread applause.

 

The setting was the BHS Christmas assembly, which featured entertainment by bands, dancers and vocalists, as well as some fun and games. Included was the annual “Pie in the Face,” a fundraiser for the BHS Key Club. With dollars, students had voted for members of faculty and administration who they wanted to see targeted. DeFazio was among those chosen. It was obvious by reaction from the students that they had selected the “victims” because they liked them and knew they would be good sports.

 

That all happened nearly two months ago, but as the occasion marked the beginning of Christmas break, the news of DeFazio’s honor kind of got swept away with the holiday.

 

It’s all had time to soak in, the school principal said. And looking back on that day is perhaps even sweeter now. That’s because he’s had a chance to realize that even though rules are strict at Bridgeport High School, students – at least most, it seems – still like the administrator, who 

only means well for his kids.

 

“Honestly, this all means something special. I would be lying if I said it didn’t,” DeFazio said. “It’s kind of humbling to a certain degree, but it makes you step back and think about it as from time to time, we administrators make decisions that our students don’t like and then to go ahead and nominate me makes me feel good. I’m very appreciative of the fact that they would do that. I’m honored they would think that much of me. It makes you see that at least most of the kids know you’re genuine and sincere and try to do what’s right.”

 

DeFazio said when he met with BHS Student Council about six weeks ago, members asked questions about why certain rules were in place.

 

“Some kids said this place is like a prison,” DeFazio said. “But that’s really a compliment. I don’t take that in a negative way. We’ve changed a lot of things, including the way we dance and not wearing yoga pants to school. Those are little things to me, but to the students, they are major. They weren’t happy with either one.”

 

DeFazio said he tells his teachers on a regular basis how lucky they are to be at BHS. He said he's quite fortunate, too. 

 

“I know I’m lucky to be here. Because of our students, it makes this job a lot easier than it cold be,” he said. "I’m very appreciative of that.” 

 

Editor's Note: Over the course of a decade and a half, my husband and I have had four children attend BHS under the administration of Mark DeFazio and appreciate his leadership and watchful eye over his students. Two of our children are now teaching, one of them at her high school alma mater. 

 

See photos from the Christmas assembly HERE. 

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter!

 

More "It's Happening" HERE. 

 

And this week's special edition about a special little boys' journey with congenital heart defects HERE.