Imagine trying to improve school programs for academics and for sports, examining performance data and trying his best to serve the students, staff and parents. Keith Ball, principal of Etowah High School, lives it every day.

“Every day is never the same,” Ball said.

Ball has been a principal for ten years, here at Etowah for seven.

Half a million dollars is used to improve the academic programs for Cherokee County, and now that each school in Cherokee County has had a 36 percent drop in its budget, Ball is trying his best to make his students feel they are getting the education they deserve.

Since joining Etowah, Ball has managed to lead the school to the highest ACT scores in the county for the past five years, move a six-period day to a seven-period day, expand the class offerings and market Etowah to its fullest potential.

Ball markets Etowah to help attract teachers and families who may want to move here. He enjoys marketing and would consider doing it in his next career.