Fall has always been my favorite season of the year – it’s the warm days and the cool nights, the smell of a wood fire, turning leaves, the start of football season, and the excitement of a new school year. What I appreciate about fall more than anything, though, is the particular quality of light that comes with the shortening of the day. I can’t exactly describe that light, but it is somehow different: a little softer, a little less intense, a little less direct. Maybe it seems more special because there is progressively less and less of it as we move through autumn. 

The concept of light has been on my mind for several months now. Like many of you, I was inspired and challenged at summer conference by Steve Pemberton and his story. The Lighthouse Effect made an impact on me (and, I am guessing, a number of you) because it was not an instruction manual about what to do to be a better leader or a better human – it was a book that called us to be a light, and to look for that light in others. Simply put, it was an inspiration and a clear reminder of why I became a teacher all those years ago. 

This is my 41^st year in school in one role or another (classroom teacher, dean of students, athletic director, building administrator). As I look ahead toward yet another new beginning, I am prompted to look back and ask myself (with apologies to David Byrne and Talking Heads), “How did I get here?” I can say with absolute certainty that when I started the journey all those years ago, I had no idea of where I would end up, but the principal’s office was definitely not on the list. Several years ago, though, two colleagues saw something in me and simply invited me to consider school administration as a pathway. In that moment, they were my lighthouse.

As a principal, and as your AWSP president for 2023-24, I have both the opportunity and the responsibility to be that lighthouse for the people in my school, and in our organization. As principal, it is my privilege to find and recognize the best in each and every student and staff member. As president, it is my privilege to shine a light on the principalship statewide and to call each of you to do the same in your communities.

Thank you for being an AWSP member. Thank you for being a principal or assistant principal. What you do matters, and you are a light to so many in your school and your community. Have a great start to the year.

	Dave Riddle
	AWSP Board President Principal, LaVenture Middle School, Mt. Vernon School District