National Principal of the Year Lucy Beckham urged the graduates of the Graduate School of the College of Charleston to do what they can to support public education.

Beckham urged the over 130 graduates to find a role to play in helping to advance public schools.

“Providing adequate, stable funding for our schools has become a national crisis. As I work with principals from around the country, we are seeing the negative impact on students caused by the drastic budget cuts.  Our economic forecast as a nation is dependent on the quality and skill of our workforce.  We are always only one generation away from either a bright future or great decline.”

She said that everyone has a part in supporting public education and it could be as simple as using your voice.

“Speak up for our schools.  Learn about the candidates running for office and choose those who support public education.  Vote in every election.  Contact lawmakers, write letters to the editor, and engage in other civic activities that will support and sustain our public education system.”

For the past twelve years, Beckham has served as principal of Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.  Earlier this year, she was named the 2010 MetLife/ NASSP National High School Principal of the Year for her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence in every area of school life. Her educational career includes 16 years in the classroom as a high school math teacher and 17 years as a school administrator.