Former Gardendale High School Principal Mary Beth Blankenship is set to continue her career in education.

Blankenship recently stepped away from Gardendale High and the Jefferson County Board of Education approved former Assistant Principal Shelton Dukes as her successor on Tuesday.

“It has been an honor to serve the students, staff, and community of Gardendale,” said Blankenship, who is slated to work in an administrative capacity in Bryan County, Ga. (located near Savannah). “Gardendale was always home for me.  I taught, coached, and served as an assistant principal here and coming back was humbling.”

She has served as the school’s principal for the last two academic years and spent a total of 24 years in the Jefferson County School system.

“Gardendale has unlimited potential.  We have been able to hire some great teachers and staff for the upcoming year.  I have been blessed to be here as the principal and have valued this opportunity,” said Blankenship.

“What I will miss the most is the interaction with our students and seeing them succeed,” she continued.

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.