SPANISH FORT, Ala. — As one of five sisters, Beverly Spondike differed from her sisters in a way that would influence her career choice; she loved going to and being active in school. Not surprisingly, she was just recently appointed as principal for Spanish Fort High School.

The reasons why Spondike chose a career in education are simple: She loves people and she wants to make a difference in people's lives.

“If I can touch their lives in some manner, that makes it worthwhile,” she said.

Her own children tease her by telling her she has been in school her whole life. Spondike was born in Dayton, Ohio at Wright Patterson Air Force Base where her father was stationed. She graduated from Kent State majoring in speech communications and Spanish. Then, she began teaching drama and Spanish and coached cheerleading while in Ohio.

She eventually headed south moving to Louisiana where she taught Spanish I through IV. In 1993, her family moved to Alabama and has been in the Baldwin County school system ever since.

She went on to obtain her master's degree from administrative leadership education program at the University of South Alabama. She taught Spanish and was the cheerleading coach at Daphne High. In 2004-05, she was promoted to assistant principal there. When SFHS opened its doors three years ago, Spondike signed on as assistant principal.

Spondike said her biggest challenge as assistant principal was to budget her time wisely so she could meet faculty and students' needs in addition to the needs of the community.

“As principal, one goal is to just keep open lines of communication between the faculty, parents and students,” she said.

Though it will be a challenge, Spondike said it can be accomplished, and academics are a priority.

“Academic growth and personal growth for students needs to be ensured, so we meet their needs,” she said. “The community here is just outstanding. Their support has been really monumental. Parents are 100 percent supportive.”

She said the community appreciates academics, athletics, sporting events and fine art.

“Parents here encourage their children about the importance of student education and we really see that on campus,” she said. “Students have goals of reaching their parents expectations. We see that.”

Spondike said that former Principal Michal Lucci had a vision for SFHS to make academic excellence a priority.

“We will continue that,” she said of the staff that has worked as as team there for three years. With the education students have received at SFHS, the students will be successful after they graduate. In addition, personal growth, which includes maturity, good morals, strong faith and appreciation of others is important.

“Character building here is one of strongest assets. Being a resident makes me proud,” she said, and she and her husband are excited about being part of the community. “Spanish Fort represents excellence and a place where I am glad I am living. What we love about the community here is why tourists come here.”

Spondike and her husband, Nick, will celebrate 35 years of marriage in August. Her husband is in management at the Crane Pump Company. They have two sons. Nicholas, 32, is married and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he is a corporate chef. Nathan, 28, lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. where he is an artist, and he also painted the mural in the SFHS lobby. Spondike's mother is alive and lives in Ohio and her father is deceased.

In June, Spondike and her husband will become grandparents for the first time and are anxiously awaiting the birth of their granddaughter. Rounding out the family are two Cocker Spaniels named Roni and Ripple.

Enjoying traveling, walking at the beach, reading and art are some of Spondike's favorite pastimes. Her favorite books send a strong message about faith or are about travel. Her favorite U.S. destination is Maui, Hawaii. Though she has traveled to Europe several times, her two favorite countries are Spain and Italy. Being a Spanish teacher also makes it easy for her to converse there since she is bilingual, and most Italians also speak Spanish.

Because of her youngest son's knowledge and skill with art, Spondike said her love for visiting art museums and her love for art have grown. A favorite day for her would include walking on the beach and spending quality time with her husband and sons.

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Contact Mary-Allison Bauer: sun@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Call: 251.626.7220