‘Full-Circle Moment’: Dr. Hollisha B. Bridgers Returns to Atlantic City Schools as Sovereign Avenue Principal
The former Atlantic City teacher and school board member returns home to lead Sovereign Avenue School after serving as an assistant principal in Galloway Township.
ATLANTIC CITY – Dr. Hollisha B. Bridgers has been appointed principal of Sovereign Avenue School, bringing her career in education and community service back to the Atlantic City Public Schools.
Dr. Bridgers, a former Atlantic City Board of Education member, has an extensive background in education and most recently served as an assistant principal at Galloway Township Middle School. Before joining the Galloway Township Public Schools, she worked in the Egg Harbor Township School District. However, Dr. Bridgers began her career in education as a fourth-grade teacher at Pennsylvania Avenue School in Atlantic City.
“This is a full-circle moment for me,” Dr. Bridgers said. “I feel honored and privileged to build meaningful relationships, continue a positive school culture and lead with a purpose.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small, who served as the Principal of Pennsylvania Avenue School when she worked there, said Dr. Bridgers’ return to the district brings together her experience as an educator, administrator and member of the Atlantic City community.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Bridgers back home to the Atlantic City Public Schools and into this important leadership role at Sovereign Avenue School,” Dr. Small said. “She understands our community, she understands the importance of building strong relationships with students, families and staff, and she brings valuable instructional and administrative experience to this position. I am confident that she will lead Sovereign Avenue School with purpose while continuing to build a culture where our students can learn, grow and achieve.”
Dr. Bridgers worked in the Atlantic City Public Schools from 2011 to 2015, teaching fourth grade at Pennsylvania Avenue School. During her time in the district, she served as a grade-level team leader, mentor teacher and member of the School-Wide Improvement Plan Team. In 2014, she was named Pennsylvania Avenue School’s Teacher of the Year.
She later joined the Egg Harbor Township School District, where she taught fourth-grade English language arts and social studies at Dr. Joyanne D. Miller School from 2015 to 2020. She moved into school administration in 2020 when she became assistant principal at Galloway Township Middle School, where her responsibilities included supporting instructional improvement, conducting teacher observations, helping manage student discipline and supporting the district’s vision and mission.
Dr. Bridgers’ connection to education and service in Atlantic City extends beyond her own professional career. She grew up admiring family members who were educators and others who were deeply involved in the community.
Her grandparents were both teachers. Her grandmother, Alberta Bridgers, taught biology at Atlantic City High School for many years, while her grandfather, Joe Bridgers, taught English at Atlantic City High School. She also learned the importance of community service from her other grandmother, Joyce Ragland, who worked for the Atlantic City Recreation Department.
“I’m following in the footsteps of family members,” Dr. Bridgers said. “I’m grateful that they left an impact, and now I can leave an impact as well.”
Dr. Bridgers has continued that tradition of community involvement throughout her career. She served one term on the Atlantic City Board of Education and has been involved with several professional and community organizations. Her résumé also lists her as president of the Principals’ & Supervisors Association for Atlantic and Cape May counties. She is a member of the national Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Iota Chapter, and an advisor to the Xinos & Kudos Youth Mentoring Group for high school students.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Norfolk State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University. She later earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Stockton University. Dr. Bridgers holds New Jersey certifications as a principal, supervisor and elementary school teacher.
Her professional and community accomplishments include receiving the League of Municipalities New Jersey Next Generation of Leaders Award, the 2018 Egg Harbor Township Superintendent’s Award and the 2019 Black Girls Rock Community Change Agent Award. She has also been recognized as a Women’s History Month honoree by the Atlantic City Board of Education.
Now, returning to the district where her career in education began, Dr. Bridgers said she has the opportunity to continue a family tradition of education, leadership and service while helping shape the next generation of Atlantic City students.
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