JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Christopher E. Begley, principal of Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies in Jacksonville, has been named the recipient of the inaugural Principal of the Arts Award by the Cathedral Arts Project, Inc. (CAP). 

The award honors principals who demonstrate a strong commitment to providing high-quality arts education.

Begley was selected from a group of 21 top-performing principals, with seven finalists being interviewed by a panel. He stood out for his efforts to integrate arts programming into the school’s culture, including purchasing new music equipment and removing lockers to create space for student art exhibitions. He also regularly attends student arts competitions in his personal time.

“Witnessing the impact on students seeing their principal at their competitions is very humbling for me,” Begley said. “I strongly believe the arts help students be academically successful because it teaches them a different type of personal discipline.”

Begley received the award and a $1,500 check on January 13 during a surprise celebration at Wolfson, attended by students, teachers, administrators, and members of the Wolfpack Marching Band and cheerleaders. Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier and several other local leaders were also present.

He will be recognized again in March at the Jacksonville Public Education Fund’s Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Reception.

Other finalists for the award included Faith Roberts-Graham of Fort Caroline Elementary, Dean Ledford of Fletcher High School, Chelvert Wellington of Fort Caroline Middle School, Weisha Killette of Rufus Payne Elementary, Tina Bennett of John E. Ford K-8, and Tammy Boyd of San Mateo Elementary.