Before being tapped to serve as principal at Woodstock Middle School, Keith Ball's career had revolved around high school students.

He will return to his roots for the upcoming school year as the new principal at Etowah High.

"I feel like I'm going back home," said Ball, 35.

Ball was chosen by Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo to replace Ron Dunnavant, who was promoted to county director of school operations.

He's busy getting to know the Etowah community and on Friday hosted a "Cokes and Conversation" event with parents and stakeholders.

He's also spent time with Dunnavant, the PTSA and teachers in an effort to learn what makes the school tick.

Ball noted that, like parents at Woodstock Middle, Etowah parents are deeply involved with their students' academic and extracurricular activities.

"Both care deeply about their child's education," he said of Etowah and Woodstock parents.

He said he wants to help Etowah continue on its path of academic success, but the main challenge will be doing more with less. Ball said there is an expectation among parents for the school's high academic performance to continue.

"That's going to be the biggest challenge for everybody," he said.

Woodstock High School Principal Bill Sebring said he has faith in Ball's ability to lead Etowah.

Sebring, who has worked closely with him for the past three years, said Ball has exceptional work ethic and is a high achiever.

"He's a long-hour guy ... and he has very high expectations," he said.

Sebring, who in 2007 moved to Woodstock High from Cherokee High, added Ball understands "he needs to get his feet wet" in order to be successful in a new environment.

A former New York resident, Ball earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in secondary social studies education from the State University of New York and his specialist degree in educational administration and supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

He lives in east Cobb with wife, Meredith, and son, Brady, who is 16 months. The family attends Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.

Ball, whose motto is "onward and upward," said he wants parents to know he won't stop pushing until every child at Etowah succeeds.

"I will work tireless on their kids behalf," he said. "I will do whatever it takes to help our kids remain successful."