Corey Clements was recently named principal of Thorsby School and began his first day in the position on Feb. 6.

In many ways Clements is Thorsby through and through.

He is a life long resident of the town, having attended the school from first to 12th grade and taught at the school for another 19 years.

“I’ve spent 31 of my 41 years of my life here at Thorsby,” Clements said.

The only years he has spent away were in college, where he graduated from Auburn University before getting his masters degree from the University of Montevallo.

As a teacher, mathematics was his subject, teaching everything from seventh grade math to calculus. This is his first time in he takes over the role of principal.

“I’ve always enjoyed teaching and being around kids,” Clements said.

Clements fills the vacancy left after Russ Bryan’s retirement after 15 years at the helm.

“Mr. [Russ] Bryan was somebody that I always looked up to and respected,” Clements said. “He was a great person to work for, and left some big shoes to fill.”

Only a couple of days into the job, but already Clements appreciates the support that he has been shown.

“Our assistant principal Mr. [Tim] Fortner has been a huge help,” Clements said. “Everything has gone well, because we have some really good people here.”

He also acknowledged and thanked Verbena principal Todd Davis for the advice that he has given about the duties of being a principal.

“I’ve probably called him 15 times in the last two days,” Clements said. “He has been extremely helpful.”

The tight-knit relationship between the school and the community is something that Clements looks to maintain and continue to foster.

“The workings of the town revolve so much around the school,” Clements said. “So many teachers live within the community and it really makes the school special. There is a lot of pride.”

Family is important to Clements, who has a 10-year old daughter who attends Thorsby and a 5-year-old son that will be joining the school next year 7hhkn0g.

Due to this, Clements stated that he has a vested interest in the success of the school and wants to see prosperity for everyone involved.

“I’ve always said that I want to have realistic expectations,” Clements said. “My goal is to be as successful as we can be, and that we maximize our potential academically, athletically and in community service.”