Ellis Strobridge Chosen To Lead VHS

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Vidalia High School will have a new principal as the 2025-2026 school year begins, as current Metter High School Principal Ellis Strobridge will trade in his Tiger orange for the Indians’ maroon and gold.

Strobridge was officially approved during the Vidalia City Schools Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 8, to fill the Vidalia High School principal va- continued from page

cancy, which was caused by the retirement of former Vidalia High School Principal Bruce Mulkey earlier this year. Since his retirement, Vidalia High School Assistant Principal Steve Freenor has served as the interim principal, and will continue the role until the end of the current school year. Strobridge will begin the position at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.

“We are proud to welcome Ellis Strobridge as the new principal of Vidalia High School,” remarked Vidalia Superintendent Sandy Reid. “He brings a steady, student-centered leadership style and a deep commitment to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Mr. Strobridge is focused on doing what is best for kids every day. He understands the value of community and is excited about making this one his own. His approach fits perfectly with our values and vision for VHS. We’re excited about the future under his leadership.”

Strobridge is a native of the region, having graduated from Swainsboro High School. He earned his Associate of Science degree from East Georgia State College in Swainsboro before earning his Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education degree in 1996 and Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville. He also studied Educational Leadership at Cambridge College in 2004.

He has experience teaching middle grades math and science, through which he developed a strong foundation in fostering academic excellence. That foundation allowed Strobridge to find success as the Metter Middle School Assistant Principal for 6 years, the Metter High School Assistant Principal for 6 years, and most recently, the Metter High School Principal for 7 years.

“I am deeply grateful for the incredible opportunity afforded to me by Dr. Reid and the Vidalia City Board of Education,” he emphasized.“Leading a school as exceptional as Vidalia High School is not just a privilege; it's a meaningful responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly. As I embark on this exciting new chapter, I am enthusiastic about upholding and enhancing the proud tradition of excellence that Vidalia High School is celebrated for. My family and I eagerly anticipate meeting everyone and becoming a part of this great community and the Vidalia Indian Nation.”

Strobridge is married to Denise Ellis Strobridge, and has three children – Travis, Makayla, and Faith – as well as two grandchildren – Tamirah and Travis Jr.

Outside of education, Strobridge also has devoted 22 years to ministry, and currently serves as a member of Guido Gardens Ministries in Metter. He founded True Worshippers Ministries, Inc., where he has served as pastor for 15 years.