Wetherington: Newberry Elementary is fortunate to have new Principal Emery Bishop

Letter to the editor

Emery Bishop, a man who’s touched many lives in his career, was named principal of Newberry Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year.

I personally know Emery Bishop as a former student at Lake Forest Elementary in 1992 where he touched my life as a PE Coach. While he was at Lake Forest Elementary School, he started a real-life Olympics around the school. Students and all staff were divided up into teams, and each team competed against each other. We even had an Olympic Torch with a flag ceremony. 

Mr. Bishop is a humble man who cares about every student like his own. He is a husband to Janis but has no children of his own. 

His father was Buster Bishop, the former UF Golf Coach. 

My mother worked with Mr. Bishop as the nurse at Lake Forest Elementary. My father was the PTA President. When both of my parents passed away, Emery Bishop was right there for support. Mr. Bishop cares about the youth and wants to help everyone to be successful. 

He has always been one I could call on when I needed advice towards a career opportunity. 

Mr. Emery Bishop received the Alachua County Citizen of the Year Award in 1992 as well as Teacher of the Year at Lake Forest Elementary. 

I know that Newberry Elementary School will be blessed to have Emery Bishop as their new principal. 

Burt Wetherington, Turkey Creek Lions Club President 

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