Stephen Hudson is happy to be home.
The new Riverhead Middle School principal began his career at Riverhead Middle School 14 years ago.
“I’m truly excited to work with this fantastic staff again,” he said.
Hudson, 51, was a school social worker at Verne Critz Elementary School in the South Country Central School District before coming to Riverhead as assistant principal at RMS.
He holds a master of social work degree from Stony Brook University and a doctorate in education from Dowling College. He earned his undergraduate degree at St. Joseph’s College.
Hudson, who grew up in Shoreham, is the son of educators. He wasn’t sure he’d go into the field himself until college, he said.
“It has been an amazing experience,” Hudson said. “The relationships that have been built with staff, parents and, most of all, students has truly been the most gratifying experience.”
Hudson said he especially enjoys seeing students grow.
He served as assistant principal at Phillips Avenue Elementary School and Pulaski Street School before taking on the job of director of professional personnel for the Riverhead school district.
“I’m excited to be working with the kids again,” Hudson said Wednesday as he settled himself into his new office.
The school board appointed Hudson to the post Tuesday night. He succeeds longtime principal Andrea Pekar, who resigned last month after 16 years in the position to take an administrative position in the Amityville school district.
Hudson said his top goal as RMS principal is “to ensure that all our students are safe and achieve their highest educational potential.”
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