When Andrew McMillan was in elementary school, he was asked to write a letter describing what he wants to be when he grows up. He wrote, ‘I want to be principal of Chapman High School.’

McMillan’s father, Harry McMillan,  was principal of Chapman for ten years, and this year he is following in his father’s footsteps. Harry kept the keys to Chapman from his time as principal. He passed these and Andrew’s framed letter from elementary school along to his son. 

“I grew up with him as principal and saw how he impacted kids, the community and that’s what I really strive to do. This school, this community, these kids — it just means more to me than your average person,” McMillan said.

Along with his father’s impact, McMillan’s mother was principal of his elementary school.

“I learned from an early age that you’re held to a higher standard. You can either rise to it, or you can continue to do what you’re not supposed to do,” McMillan said.

This is Chapman’s Palmetto’s Finest Year and McMillan’s first year as principal.

“We want to continue to take that great momentum and continue to do better. It’s had a huge impact already. We’ve seen our enrollment go up, we’ve seen a number of various articles, phone calls, and conversations,” McMillan said.

Amy Driggers is the new assistant principal, taking the place of McMillan who served for four years.

“Dr. McMillan did a great job of creating a great presence as an assistant principal. He balanced doing what is right for kids academically but also connecting with them. He’s set a great example, and that has helped me as I try to mimic that,” Driggers said. “Dr. McMillan has a great love for Chapman High School that runs very deep. His father was principal, and he grew up at Chapman. I think that makes a big difference on how he approaches things. That great love is going to have him make decisions that are always best for the students.”

Chapman High School is excited about the role McMillan will play in furthering the greatness we have already achieved.