Lehigh Alum Harrison Bailey Named PA Secondary Principal of the Year

Bailey, who received his master’s degree in special education (1999) and his principal certification (2000) from Lehigh’s College of Education and his doctorate from East Stroudsburg University, was recognized for his exceptional leadership at Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Pa., where he is principal. He will be honored at the association’s LEAD21 Conference later this year.

"The College of Education faculty share in this joyful moment with Harrison, Liberty High School and the BASD [Bethlehem Area School District] community with genuine pride for Harrison's recognition,” said Lehigh College of Education Dean William Gaudelli.

“Our graduates are community-focused thought leaders who engage fully in the schools they serve,” Gaudelli said. “His attention to student needs, from emotional support to diversity enhancement, is precisely the kind of leader that we aim to grow and support and are thrilled that he has received this well-deserved recognition."

The award was announced at a surprise celebration at Liberty High School that was attended by association executive directors Paul Healey and Eric Eshbach, Superintendent Joseph J. Roy ’09 Ph.D. and members of the student body.

Afterward, Bailey said in a video-recorded interview: “Anyone who thinks that this job or any of the jobs in education is a solo thing, they are sadly mistaken. This is about Team Liberty and Team Bethlehem [Area] School District and all the things we do together for kids and for families. It’s great, it’s a wonderful thing to be recognized, absolutely, but I have absolutely no belief that this has anything to do with Harrison Bailey. This is Liberty High School and the Bethlehem [Area] School District who decided we are going to do the absolute best for kids.”