Van A. Phillips, Sr. is an awarding-winning principal who began his career in education as an English and science teacher at Erwin High School within the Jefferson County school system in 1983. Phillips has been named the 2017 Principal of the Year in Alabama, was honored by the AHSAA as Wrestling Official of the Year in 2016, and was in Positive Maturity’s Top 50 over 50 in 2019. In 2020, Phillips was named Trussville Tribune "Person of the Year" for his accomplishments and dedication to the children of Center Point throughout his career and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Phillips retired in Spring 2022.