Principal Profile: Patrick Holladay’s Adventures on the Open Road

Carroll High School’s new principal, Patrick Holladay, is no stranger to forging meaningful paths—both on campus and on the open road. With over 25 years in education and deep roots in secondary schools, Mr. Holladay brings a steady hand and a student-centered vision to his new leadership role. Before the school year begins, however, he’s embarking on a different kind of journey—one that involves highways, horsepower and a 'Wheel in the Sky'.

On June 22, Mr. Holladay will fire up Charley, his 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide, and set out on a solo 10-day trip to Key West, Florida. With scenic stops planned in Mobile and Miami, the ride is part of a personal tradition—his sixth annual summer motorcycle tour. Past destinations have included the majestic peaks of western Colorado, the winding Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, and the high desert roads of New Mexico.

“It’s how I unwind,” Holladay shares. “There’s something powerful about being on the road by yourself, seeing the country up-close and meeting people from all walks of life.”

As the miles roll by, he’s often accompanied by a soundtrack of classic rock like REO Speedwagon, Steve Miller, or Journey playing their 1978 hit 'Wheel in the Sky'. He also listens to gripping audiobooks—particularly military thrillers like The Gray Man series by Mark Greaney. More often than not, though, he rides in peaceful silence, taking in the sights and stories that unfold along America’s backroads.

While the summer ride offers time to disconnect, it also reflects who Mr. Holladay is at his core: driven, thoughtful, and deeply connected to people and purpose. Before joining Carroll ISD, he taught high school math for two decades in nearby districts. After leading Johnson Elementary with care and consistency, he will return to those secondary roots at CHS.

"I can't wait to invest in our Carroll Dragons as they navigate high school," he says. "Those are transformative years for every student."

He has plotted the trip to Key West and plans to cover about 600 miles per day. The goal? A photo at the southernmost salt water buoy in the continental U.S., at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets in Key West, Florida. He has promised another selfie when he arrives.