CHS Principal Henry Hawkins Set To Retire After 40 Years of Service

After four decades of unwavering dedication to the Cabot School District, High School Principal Henry Hawkins has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2024.

Principal Hawkins, affectionately known as “The Hawk” by students and staff alike, has been an integral part of the district since 1983 and even before then. In fact, his journey with the district began in 1967 when he entered the second grade, eventually graduating as a proud alumnus of Cabot High School’s Class of 1979!

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Hawkins has worn several hats. He began his career in Cabot teaching health, physical education, and coaching junior high football and basketball. In 1987, he was promoted to Assistant Football Coach for Cabot High School and also served as the Assistant Basketball Coach. During the next several years, Mr. Hawkins expanded his coaching responsibilities, overseeing high school golf, tennis, and eventually becoming the Head Baseball Coach. Under his leadership, the baseball team made history, earning their first-ever appearance in the State Baseball Tournament.

In 1995, Mr. Hawkins took over the role of Defensive Coordinator for the CHS Football program under the legendary Coach Mike Malham.

His administrative journey began in 1998 when he became Assistant Principal of Cabot Junior High South, followed by a stint as Assistant Principal of Cabot Junior High North in 1999. In 2001, he assumed the position of Head Principal at Cabot Junior High South and reached the pinnacle of his career in 2010 when he became the Head Principal of Cabot High School.

Under his leadership, Cabot High School received numerous awards and academic achievements, even garnering national recognition as one of the “Best High Schools” in the state and nation by U.S. News and World Report in 2020, 2021, and 2022. In 2022, CHS was also designated a “High School of Innovation,” distinguishing itself as the only large high school in the state with this honor.

During the 2022-2023 school year, CHS achieved the remarkable feat of being named “7A Central Conference Academic Champions,” for having the highest ACT Aspire scores in every tested area: Math, Reading, English, and Science!

Reflecting on his upcoming retirement, Mr. Hawkins expressed his sincerest gratitude. “It has been an incredible journey and I am grateful for the opportunity to live out my entire career as a Cabot Panther. The relationships formed with my students, colleagues, parents, and this amazing community have been the highlight of my career.”

Superintendent Dr. Tony Thurman commended Mr. Hawkins for his outstanding contributions to the Cabot School District. “His commitment to excellence and his leadership have been instrumental in shaping the educational landscape of Cabot High School. His retirement marks the end of an era. Mr. Hawkins leaves behind a legacy that is truly admired and we congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.”

Mr. Hawkins would like to give a special “thank you” to his family: wife Sharon, and sons Henry Dakota, USMC Captain Luke Riley, and Dakota Quinn, CHS senior.

After he retires, Mr. Hawkins plans to travel in his RV, spend time with his grandbabies, hunt, and work on his wife’s honey-do list!

Henry Hawkins Throughout the Years - Photo Gallery 1 | Photo Gallery 2 | Photo Gallery 3