2005 Principal of the Year
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   He began his educational career as an elementary school teacher at Bladensburg Elementary School in Prince George’s County in 1969. He remained at the elementary level as teacher, administrative assistant, acting principal and principal until 1984. He was a secondary principal of Francis Scott Key Middle School from 1984-1989. From 1989 –2000 he was principal at Largo High School. He was the Chief Educational Administrator of the Largo Community of Schools from 1996 to 2000. He is presently the principal of Kent County High School. Sampson’s undergraduate degree was earned at Bowie State University. His Master of Administration and Supervision degree also came from Bowie State University.

   As the new principal at Kent County High School Mr. Sampson was given just one charge, raise the academic standards and to involve the community in the process. School reform began by strengthening the curriculum offerings. Courses were eliminated that were not academically challenging and written curriculum was available for all courses that remained.

   Steps were taken to require students to earn a given number of credits to move from one grade to the next and to earn a greater number of credits for graduation than the state requirements. This included implementing a requirement that all students must have at least a 2.0 grade point average in order to participate in sports and extra curricular activities.

   The concept of Career Pathways was introduced in order to get students on a possible career focus. Eight pathways were implemented that would lead to many students becoming dual completers. The pathways raised the academic standards for all students including Career Technology. Each pathway had an Advanced Placement component and a dual enrollment component with Chesapeake Community College.

   The support of the business community, civic associations and the religious community was encouraged in order to raise standards and to serve as a support system for the school. Mr. Sampson serves on the Executive Board of the Chamber of Commerce. He encourages his staff to actively participate in local civic organizations in order to keep community members informed of the activities of the school. The Senior Project and the Student Portfolio Project were implemented as new graduation requirements that allowed the business community to play a very important role in an interview process and to serve as portfolio mentors.

   The Parent Teacher Student Association increased membership and received a number of state awards. Parents and students had an opportunity to give input into higher academic standards.

   Student leadership increased through programs such as a more active Student Government Association, Principal’s Student Advisory Council, 1st Period Representatives, and representation on the School Improvement Team.

   Advanced Placement courses have been added in Art Studio and Statistics. All students are required to take the PSAT in order to prepare to take the SAT. In the past five years there have been many changes, all made in order to raise academic achievement at Kent County High School.

   Bonnie Ward, superintendent of Kent County wrote “He is recognized by his peers, staff, students, and parents as a principal who will move mountains to meet the needs of his students. His leadership at Kent County high is a key factor in the school’s success. Every measure of student performance has increased during his tenure as principal.”

   Judith Reveal, Executive Director of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce notes that "Mr. Sampson was the recipient of the 'Business Person of the Year' Award at the Chamber's 2001 Awards Banquet. He was recognized for his efforts at the high school, especially with regard to identifying programs and career paths that would benefit the students and bring them a sense of accomplishment as well as helping to direct them toward successful careers."

   Sampson was Employee of the Month in both 2001 and 2002, recipient of the NAACP Positive Youth Image Award (2003), Talbot County Mentor Association Award (2002) and MASSP Finalist, Maryland Principal of the Year 2004.

   He had been a member of MASSP/NASSP since 1990. He has served on the Executive Board and is president. He was honored in November at the MetLife Principal of the Year program in Washington.