Special to The Leader

Travis Maines, principal of Vidor High School, has earned a distinction from the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce as one of 40 Under 40, a designation of honor for those outstanding people who are in their thirties or younger.

Maines was nominated by Vidor High School theater teacher Adam Conrad, who said, “When I saw they were taking nominations, I thought of him and how great a leader he is, and that he needed to be rewarded for all of his hard work.”  Conrad filled out the nomination form and gathered letters of recommendation for Maines, including one from long-time VHS teacher Chad VanDevender.

VanDevender offered these words:   “I have known Mr. Maines for many years, and have watched him mature from the high school quarterback to the head principal of the very same high school.  He is the most dynamic, energetic, positive, and ethical leader I have ever worked under – and I’ve been a public school teacher for twenty-five years, so I’ve seen my fair share of principals.

Maines began his teaching career as a math teacher and coach and spent ten years in the classroom before moving into administration as an assistant principal.  As an assistant principal, Mr. Maines was the most consistent and fair-minded person I’ve ever met.  He displayed something that I like to call youthful wisdom – he is wise beyond his years.  He quickly moved from assistant principal to the head principal in just one year (a truly meteoric rise​)​.

As head principal of a small town high school, his charisma and natural leadership abilities have flourished.  The campus culture has become that of a family.  Under Mr. Maines’ leadership, morale on campus has risen dramatically across the board, from administration, to teachers, to students.  He is the most supportive person and will do just about anything to ensure your success.

I cannot recommend Travis Maines highly enough as a recipient of the 40 Under 40 award.  He would be an incredible representative for your organization.

In the words of Travis Maines himself, “It’s a great day to be a Pirate!”

“From the time I began working with Mr. Maines 11 years ago, I knew he was a strong asset to our school district and community,” Jay Killgo, Ed.D. Superintendent said. “He continues to impress me and it is wonderful to see this recognition.”

More than one hundred nominations were received at the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce office.  According to information from the chamber, the award recognizes those who are age 39 and younger on August 18, 2017, for their academic achievements, professional success, and community involvement.  They are must a recognized industry leader with a consistent take-charge attitude, have business acumen, and show a sharp, business-like approach to efficiency and change.  They must engage in community service and own the respect of their colleagues.

The candidates’ criteria were screened by a selection committee of business leaders and local professionals to choose the shining stars from Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties.  The honorees will all be recognized at a reception in the Jefferson Theatre on Tuesday, November 7, and will also be recognized in the Events Book, available locally. The program is in its fifth year.