High School Principal 

I am Cheryl Smith, the new High School Principal. I would like to take a minute to introduce myself (or reintroduce myself as the case may be) to you all. I grew up in Midland, earned my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan, and began my teaching career at Bishop Borgess Catholic High School in Redford, Michigan. From there, I came to Benzie Central High School to teach Spanish which I did for 24 years. In the span of those 24 years, I became a mom to two daughters, Abbie and Paige who both graduated from Benzie (2018 and 2021) and a son, Finn, who will graduate in 2027. I also earned my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teaching from the Traverse City extension of Michigan State University. I made the decision to get my Administrator’s Certification in 2018 through the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principal’s Pathway to Leadership program. The program took a year to complete and I received my Admin Cert in May of 2019. I left Benzie Central in the fall of 2021 to launch my Administrative career at Kaleva Norman Dickson Schools where I served as K-12 Principal for three years. Those three years provided me with a wide range of opportunities to gain the experience necessary to be successful in an administrative role.

I am so happy to return to Benzie Central High as your Principal. Over the years, I have forged many relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and the community. I feel like I am coming HOME! I look forward to reconnecting with old friends, colleagues, and community partners. I am also excited to meet students and their families that I have had the pleasure of meeting yet. I have no doubt that this is going to be a great school year!