Jones Senior hires new principal
Bryce Marquis was recently appointed as the new principal of Jones Senior High School after spending two years in the same position at Maysville Elementary. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News
By Junious Smith III
TRENTON — Jones Senior has a new principal for its new school.
Bryce Marquis recently accepted the position as Jones Senior transitions into its new building. Marquis, a Minnesota native, was the principal of Maysville Elementary for the previous two years and spent time working as an assistant principal at Ridgewood Elementary in Winterville prior to his move to Jones County.
Marquis said he loves Eastern North Carolina and also understands the K-12 format.
“I attended a K-12 school, and I can see how much of a blessing it can be to the community and the kids,” Marquis said. “I was called in by (former Jones County assistant superintendent) Dr. Otis Smallwood three years ago to come to the area and I’ve loved it here. The people of Jones County are resilient, high-quality people with superior work ethic.
“I love the people here — they care about the students in the classroom, athletic field and home.”
Marquis has already left an impact on the Jones Senior staff according to Superintendent Michael Bracy.
“Bryce Marquis is a phenomenal leader and these teachers are in for a treat,” Bracy said. “Mr. White had a great reputation and did well, and Bryce is an up-and-coming leader who has potential to move this school to new places. He’s true to his morals and values, he means business and I’ve had a lot of compliments about him. He’s done 1-on-1 individual interviews with staff and I’ve only had positive communication with everyone.”
Marquis said he’s ready to add on to the work the previous Jones Senior principal — Michael White — has done at the school.
“I have very high expectations, not just for the students and staff, but myself,” Marquis said. “Michael White did a tremendous job here, and I don’t want to just maintain the success, but exceed it. I want to make sure there’s consistent communication with parents, students and staff, and I have high hopes for what’s to come in Jones County.”
