Westlake High to honor late principal at Friday night’s football game

Westlake High School students mourning the death of their beloved principal who drowned on vacation with his wife last weekend plan to celebrate his life at Friday night’s home football game.

Head coach Bobby May told Channel 2 Action News his team didn’t plan on taking the field after learning Wednesday that Jamar Robinson died in Puerto Rico. But then his players decided the best way to honor the school’s principal was to suit up and dedicate the season to their friend and mentor.

Colleagues described Robinson as a charismatic leader and former high school and college drum major who cheered his students' accomplishments and always encouraged them to do their best.

“He was just an overall great person,” Westlake Athletic Director Carl Green told Channel 2. “He was passionate about what he did. He was passionate about the community and passionate about the school."

Green said Robinson always put his students first and that “everything he did was about the kids.”

Robinson and his wife, Ann, died Sunday while swimming in the ocean behind their hotel room. Ann Robinson, a Georgia State University professor, went under water and her husband tried to save her, according to news reports.

On Friday evening, the Lions plan to hold a moment of silence for their principal and his wife ahead of kickoff. They also plan to honor the Robinsons during a halftime ceremony, school officials said. In addition, players will be wearing #RobinsonStrong T-shirts.

Because the principal was known for wearing a suit to every game, May told the news station that he’ll be on the sideline sporting a jacket and slacks as Westlake takes on Lovejoy.

“I will be wearing a suit tomorrow on (the) sideline for him,” May said Thursday evening in a tweet. “Won’t look as good as him but it will be my honor to try.”

Funeral arrangements for the couple have not been announced.