When not serving the students and faculty within Cartersville High School, principal Jay Floyd can be seen frequenting the ball fields and watching his teams practice.

Floyd says his role in education is not just a job, but a lifestyle, and those statements are reflected by his presence inside and outside the school.

This week's Bartow Bio will take a closer look at one of the administrators responsible for keeping students safe and on a pathway for a productive life.

Occupation: Principal at Cartersville High School

City of Residence: Cartersville

Age: 46

Family: wife -- Mandy Ottinger Floyd from Dalton; son -- Justin, 18; daughter -- Madison, 13.

Education: B.S. Carson-Newman College, M.A.T Carson-Newman College, Ed.S. Lincoln Memorial University

Q: What brought you into education?

A: When I graduated from college I wanted to go to seminary so I asked several people to write recommendations for me. Ken Sparks, head football coach and athletic director at Carson-Newman, said he had no idea that I wanted seminary. He said he wanted to tell me about one of the greatest missionary fields that I could go into. I said, "Sure. I'd like to hear." He said, "Coaching and teaching." He said there was a high need for strong Christian leaders in coaching and teaching. He also stated that I could make a difference. From that point, I felt a strong calling to go into the education field.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of working in administration?

A: My favorite part is developing relationships with faculty, staff, parents and students. It's not just a job, it is my lifestyle. There is not a better joy than seeing a student mature and grow into a responsible young man or woman.

Q: What do you feel is the most important element of a child's education?

A: That they have people in their life that care about them and love them unconditionally. It might be a teacher, a coach, a club sponsor, someone that they connect with to give them purpose and hope for a future.

Q: What is your greatest achievement?

A: Being married to the best bride in the Northern Hemisphere. And watching my children grow personally by making mature decisions.

Q: Where is your favorite place to be in Bartow?

A: I love fishing and tubing on the Etowah River.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant or favorite food?

A: Sorry, Cody J's, Capri, Dougs, Jr'', Ross' Diner -- I'm going to go with Scott's Barbecue.

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: The Bible.

Q: Do you have a personal philosophy?

A: Life's too short to be miserable. Find something that you love dearly and do it the very best that you can.