Port Gibson High School earns “B” grade, celebrates success under Principal Eddwin Smith

PORT GIBSON, Miss. (VDN) – Port Gibson High School is celebrating a milestone this year, earning a “B” rating for the third year in a row after years of steady progress under the leadership of Principal Eddwin Smith.

Smith, a 1992 graduate of PGHS, returned to his alma mater four years ago with a mission to improve both academics and student life. With more than 25 years in education, he previously served as principal at Newton High School, South Delta High School and Wilkinson County Elementary.

“When I came here, PGHS was a ‘D’ school,” Smith said. “Now, we’ve gone from a ‘D’ to a ‘B’ and we’re aiming for that ‘A.’ We want to hit an ‘A’ because we’re so close.”

The school’s progress is backed by data. Graduation rates have improved each year since Smith’s arrival: 90.2 % in 2022, 91.3% in 2023 and 92.5% in 2024. Last year, 26 students scored over 20 on the ACT.

“We make sure we track our seniors every year and make sure they graduate,” Smith said. “I give credit back to the teachers because they do everything.”

Smith said PGHS focuses on preparing students for every future path. Seniors attended an HBCU college fair in Atlanta last year, where one student won a $1,000 scholarship. Others took trips, including to Six Flags, as part of the school’s effort to reward and motivate students.

“We don’t limit our kids. It’s our job to get them prepared,” Smith said.

Student-athletes are also held to high standards. “You don’t pass, you don’t play,” Smith said.

The school has expanded opportunities through partnerships with Hinds Community College and Alcorn State University, giving students access to dual enrollment and career readiness programs. Magnolia Bluffs Casino also partners with PGHS to support student initiatives.

Smith has emphasized addressing the whole student, not just academics. PGHS now has a guidance counselor and a therapist to meet mental health needs. He also said he has worked to build a strong bond with teachers, helping the school move forward together.

Still, the journey has not been without challenges. The school endured the tragedy of losing a student to violence, and this year Smith is leading without the help of an assistant principal.

“Data proves that PGHS is now new and improved under Smith’s leadership,” he said.

Smith’s own journey into education was unexpected. A third-generation educator, he originally planned to become an accountant but found his true calling in the classroom.

“Every school I’ve touched, I’ve improved,” Smith said. “I still will love opportunities to be promoted. But right now, I want to hit that ‘A’ here.”

PGHS is a majority Black school that has often faced funding challenges, but Smith believes its students can rise to meet any level of competition.

“Port Gibson High School can compete with some of the well-funded schools,” he said.

For Smith, the ultimate goal is simple but ambitious: to take a once-struggling school and turn it into one of Mississippi’s best. PGHS was once controlled by the state, but now it’s one of the top schools in the area.

“Every school I’ve touched, I’ve improved,” Smith said. “I still will love opportunities to be promoted. But right now, I want to hit that ‘A’ here.”