By Rebecca Schmitz
Twenty-two years ago Darah Bonham saw a movie that changed the course of his life. He could not have known, while walking into a theater with his future wife to catch an afternoon showing of Awakenings, that he would walk out on an entirely new career path. The movie, starring Robin Williams as a devoted doctor working with catatonic patients, sparked Bonham’s desire to find a job that would allow him to have a positive impact on his community. “It made me want to do something that made a difference in the lives of others,” he said. Bonham, who at the time was using his business and technology degree from James Madison University working at a defense contractor in Northern Virginia, became certified to teach a year later and then obtained a master’s degree in education from George Mason University. He’s spent the last 20 years marrying his expertise in technology and innovation with his passion for making a difference in the lives of young people.
Bonham was unanimously recommended to be Western’s 12th principal by an advisory panel of students, parents, and staff. He began his career in education at W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax County, teaching business and information technology. At Woodson he led a number of “innovative, student-oriented programs,” including the school’s groundbreaking, student-led television station. He also coached the basketball, cross country, and girls’ lacrosse teams. Although he’d never played lacrosse, he led the team to five state championships and was elected into the hall of fame at Woodson and the U.S. Lacrosse Association. His success caught the eye of his superiors and his responsibilities changed and grew. “I asked myself how I could have an impact on a greater number of people. That’s why I decided to move into administration,” he said. He served as student activities director, overseeing 2,000 students in extracurricular activities including sports and fine arts.
After 12 years at Woodson, about the time his first child was born, Bonham began yearning for an alternative to the heavy traffic and hustle and bustle of northern Virginia. His job search led him to Albemarle County and he accepted a position as Lead Administrator of the Charlottesville Albemarle Technical Education Center (CATEC), where he strengthened partnerships between high school and college students and the local business community, and focused on preparing students for the demands of the workplace.
From there, he moved to Monticello High School, where he served as associate principal for three years. He spearheaded the development of the school’s innovative Learning Commons, which earned the National School Boards Association’s MAGNA award honoring innovative practices that advance student learning.
“It was a fascinating process to be a part of,” Bonham said. The Learning Commons resulted when Monticello’s underused library was transformed into a vibrant area that fostered a student-centered approach to learning. “It was more about creating and making things that extend beyond the classroom,” Bonham said. For example, a Genius Bar allows tech-savvy students to help their peers troubleshoot and repair their computers, a kind of in-house “Geek Squad.” Bonham said the Commons demonstrates the county’s commitment to project-based assessments and learning. “As an unintended benefit, during downtime these kids started tinkering and exploring on their computers. It’s led to self-discovery and fostering of ideas.” The Commons also contains a digital recording studio where students develop their own compositions, a video-conferencing room, and 3D printers. Students gather to share ideas, brainstorm, and collaborate on projects. “It almost has a college feel to it,” he said.
At Western, he plans to continue focusing on preparing students to be life-long learners. “We’re going to look at the ways we’re maximizing a student-centered approach to learning and continue to support those areas. We’ll also be looking at other ways we can improve and innovate.”
Most importantly, Bonham wants students to leave Western prepared for the world outside high school. “Up until the time they leave, their lives have been driven by a bell,” he said. “They need a vision beyond walking across the stage at graduation as seniors. We don’t want to limit the choices available to them.”
He noted the changing job market where tasks that used to require labor are being automated. “We have to realize teaching and learning change just as everything else does,” he said. “Learning looks different today. Students have to be able to be prepared to master content. It used to be one person who controlled what was being taught. Today, with the Internet, no one controls all the information anymore. How do you teach them to navigate through all the information so they can take advantage of that?”
Bonham is looking forward to working with Western’s “fabulous, dedicated staff.” He’s also impressed by the community’s support of and involvement in the education of its youth. “Western has a true community feel to it. This part of the county has a lot of rich tradition. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere. There is an emphasis on promoting high achievement in schools.” He noted that while attending Western’s graduation ceremony this year, “There was something in the air you felt. You could tell how much being a Warrior meant to people.”
When he’s not behind his desk or roaming the halls of Western, you’ll likely find Bonham ferrying his children to their various activities or spending time outdoors. His free time centers around his family, which includes his wife Julie, a pediatric occupational therapist who teaches part-time at James Madison University, and his two daughters, Reese, age 9, and Reilly, 11.
Bonham is eager to tap into the community’s range of expertise, experience, and talents: “How do we open up channels into the community so parents and other stakeholders see what we’re doing?” He hopes to develop a channel for community members to share their knowledge with students, perhaps through classroom visits or internships. “We want their learning to go beyond the teachers in the building.”
