05/21/2026
After much reflection and a lifetime of memories, I am sharing that I will be retiring as Principal of West Hopkins School.
This decision does not come easy—because West Hopkins has never simply been a job to me.
It has been home.
From the moment I first stepped foot on this campus as a three-year-old child, to now preparing to walk these halls in a different role at forty-nine years old, this school and this community have shaped the very foundation of who I am. Three generations of my family have been educated within these walls, and that legacy is something I will forever carry with pride in my heart.
My journey began here as a Rebel in 1991 and has come full circle as a Cardinal in 2026. Along the way, I have been blessed beyond measure to serve West Hopkins as a student, student teacher, teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. Every chapter of that journey has meant more to me than words could ever fully express.
To have spent over half of my life serving generations of children and families—many of whom I have known my entire life—has been one of the greatest honors and blessings anyone could ever receive.
West Hopkins is not just a building.
It is not just a school.
It is a family.
The Cardinal Family is something truly special. The love, support, resilience, pride, and heart that exists within this community is unlike anything I have ever seen anywhere else. Through celebrations and challenges, victories and hardships, this community has always stood together, loved one another, and lifted each other up. That spirit is what makes West Hopkins extraordinary.
I have always believed our purpose here reached far beyond academics. It has always been about making sure children feel safe, valued, loved, and believed in. It has been about relationships, compassion, and building a place where people feel they belong. That belief has guided every decision I have ever made, and it is something I will carry with me forever.
I am incredibly proud of what we have built together. The traditions, the culture, the growth, the memories, the laughter echoing through these hallways, the spirit in our gymnasium, the smiles in our classrooms, the unwavering support from our families and staff—those moments will forever be etched into my soul.
I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Deanna Ashby for first believing in me and entrusting me with the opportunity to lead the school and community that I love so dearly. That faith and support changed my life forever, and I will always be thankful.
To our students—thank you for giving me purpose and joy every single day.
To our staff—thank you for walking beside me through the highs and lows, for loving children endlessly, and for dedicating your hearts to this community.
To our families and community—thank you for your trust, your support, and for allowing me to be part of your lives for so many years.
And to my own family—thank you for your sacrifice, patience, and unconditional love throughout this journey. None of this would have been possible without you.
While I may be stepping away from the role of principal, I will never step away from West Hopkins. I look forward to continuing to support this school as a proud PTO member, a parent, and forever a member of the Cardinal Family as my own children continue the tradition that has meant so much to our family for generations.
West Hopkins will forever be a part of me.
Because long after the final bell rings…
long after the lights dim in these hallways…
and long after my office door closes for the final time…
a part of my heart will always remain here—
walking these halls,
cheering for these children,
believing in this community,
and loving this school with every piece of who I am.
Once a Cardinal… Always a Cardinal.
And when my time here finally comes to an end, I hope the people of West Hopkins never remember me for a title I held—but for the love I carried in my heart for this school, these children, and this community… until my very last walk down these halls.
With all my love and gratitude,
Eric Stone
Principal, West Hopkins School
