WS Chronicle

Last week Faith Unity Missionary Church (FUMC) made a $500 donation to the Richard Watts Scholarship Fund at Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy (WSPA).

Watts, who has worked in the local school district for more than 30 years, has served as principal at WSPA since 2007. During the commencement ceremony last month, Watts officially announced his retirement.

To honor the legacy of his longtime friend, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Simington established the scholarship that will be presented for the first time later this summer. 

After accepting the “big check” from members of FUMC, Simington, who has known Watts for more than 30 years, said the donation reflects all the hard work Watts has put in at WSPA and in the community. He said there will never be another Richard Watts.

“It’s kind of bittersweet because we’ll never have another Richard Watts. Obviously, somebody is going to come in and they’re going to do a good job, but the care and concern he had for the staff and community could never be duplicated,” Simington said. 

FUMC founder Judy Williams said the church, located in the chapel of the Masonic Lodge on East 14th Street has been a proud supporter of WSPA since Watts was named principal a decade ago. She said giving to the scholarship foundation is their way of saying thanks.

As reported in the June 22 print edition of The Chronicle, Watts’ last day at WSPA was June 30. Watts said that will be an emotional day for him.

“I knew graduation was going to be tough and I know that last day will be emotional as well,” said Watts. “Over the last 10 years, the faculty, staff, and students have become my family. I know it will be hard to hold back my emotions when I walk out of this office for the last time.”