With the appointment of Valerie Hughes as principal of Summit Academy Secondary School – Canton comes new offerings for students this school year. Hughes says she plans to introduce a steel band and additional elective courses for students. She also hopes to collaborate with community organizations for enhanced student enrichment opportunities.
Hughes joined Summit Academy as a data coach last school year and stepped in as interim principal in February 2025. She brings extensive experience as a secondary school educator. For the past eight years, she served in various teaching and administrative roles at The Steel Academy public charter school in Akron, including high school English teacher, instructional coach, testing coordinator and Title 1 coordinator/teacher.
Expressly honored and committed to leading Summit Academy Secondary School – Canton, Hughes says she plans to hit the ground running for her students.
“I am dedicated to every student who walks in through our door. I will not give up on a kid even if they have given up on themselves,” she says. “I genuinely enjoy helping kids succeed and grow into the young adults they choose to become. I enjoy building a rapport with the kids and getting to know what their goals and aspirations are so we can better help them.
To that end, Hughes says she plans to tap Stark County’s rich arts community for experiential learning options for students with artistic ability. Likewise, she hopes to expose students to vocations including construction and hospitality and will be exploring avenues to help students receive proper training and state certifications in these and other fields of interest.
“I would like people to know that we are dedicated to the education and well-being of our students. We want students to find a home here at Summit and be proud to say this is where they attend school,” she says.
Hughes adds that she also wants to ensure her families receive the resources their children need “to make sure our students are taken care of when they go home,” she says. “I also want to make sure our staff feels heard and is happy and provide them what they need in the classroom.”
A Kent State University alumna, Hughes is president of the Plain Local Lady Eagles Softball Association. She and her husband reside in her native Greater Canton with their three children, all active in sports including soccer and flag football.