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Norview Middle principal goes above and beyond: ‘It’s all about the kids’

Posted at 11:07 PM, Jun 06, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-06 23:09:34-04

NORFOLK, Va. - Walter Brower is more than the school principal.  To many of the students at Norview Middle School in Norfolk, he is a friend and advocate.

As he walks through the halls at the school, he speaks to all of the staff and students. As one student comes out of class, he jokingly says, "You going to comb your hair?"  The student laughs playfully and continues to the restroom.

News 3 anchor Beverly Kidd recently paid a visit to Norview Middle at the request of school security officer Sylvia Patterson, who secretly nominated Mr. Brower for a People Taking Action award.

We surprised him in the cafeteria while many of his students waited for him to walk in.

In her letter to us, Patterson wrote, "He's a father figure to a lot of kids who don't have that father figure at home. He makes bus stop visits, home visits and hospital visits."

"He takes money out of his own pocket to pay for the clothes and student lunches. He's an inspiration to Norview Middle School," Patterson continued.

News 3, along with our partner Southern Bank, presented Mr. Brower with a People Taking Action Award, including a $300 Visa gift card.

He was visibly touched by the gesture saying, "I've got to hold back tears. It's all about the kids."