PHOTOS: (top) Erwin High Athletics Director Barry Owens, right, hands a fly-fishing vest to retiring Principal Greg Bailey during a football game on Saturday, Feb. 27. Credit: Tate MacQueen | (Bottom) Mr. Bailey speaks at the 2019 Erwin spring graduation ceremony. Credit: Benjamin Rickert.
By Tim Reaves
BCS Communications Department
Congratulations to Mr. Greg Bailey, who has retired after four years as Clyde A. Erwin High School Principal and 32 years as an educator.
At the Saturday football game versus North Buncombe High School, athletics department and booster club representatives honored Mr. Bailey with a presentation at the 50-yard line. Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Barry Owens said the Erwin family wanted to recognize Mr. Bailey for his tireless work to beautify the campus and strengthen its athletics.
“He was just constantly doing good things for the kids and making the campus look good,” Mr. Owens said. “He doesn’t like to bring attention to himself, but we’re very appreciative of all he’s done for the school.”
Mr. Bailey started his education career as a physical education teacher and coach at Enka High School in 1989. He spent his career as a teacher and administrator in Buncombe County Schools and Haywood County Schools. He said fulfillment came from building relationships with students, parents, teachers, and community boosters.
“I never have missed the brick and mortar of anywhere I’ve worked, but I’ll miss the people on a daily basis,” he said. “It was very gratifying, the community connections and relationships I was able to make.”
Mr. Bailey built upon Erwin’s storied traditions and cultivated a sense of belonging among the students.
“We have pride in who we are and our community,” he said. “I wanted to give them the best place to go to school, the safest place to go to school, a place where they felt valued – students and teachers.”
In retirement, Mr. Bailey plans to enjoy his favorite hobby, fly-fishing. But he won’t rest on his laurels. Guided by his faith, Mr. Bailey wants to spend the rest of his life helping people.
“I don’t want to waste any part of my life,” he said. “I want to remain invested in others.”
Interim Principal Rob Weinkle will serve out the rest of the school year. He has extensive experience as an interim administrator in all levels of K-12 education.
“I plan to continue the work that Mr. Bailey has done during his years here, and continue to provide excellent instruction for all students,” he said.