NC POY Farewell Message

May 12, 2016

“As the distinguished guest walked into the magnificent hotel, they admired the beautiful paintings and intricate details on the various works of art. Tempted to whisk one or two of the beautiful paintings away, they resisted. Greeted by kind attendants, their hearts were panting, they stood around and chatted with family and other guests who all admired the glorious place in which they stood. They viewed their pictures—which sat on easels—they were a symbol of pride marking their accomplishments. They wondered to themselves if the moment in which they stood was real. Suddenly, the doors to the grand ballroom of the ceremony swung open, they entered, sat at their table and the ceremony began. It was real.”

What an honor it has been to serve as the North Carolina Principal of the Year in our great state! I feel special because the POY announcement was made on May 1^st last year, which means I was given 12 extra days. Last year, I invited others to take this journey with me, and what a phenomenal journey it has been. The opportunity to visit schools, advise during state Board of Education meetings, conduct professional development, share best practices, learn while leading and meet with elected officials has been remarkable. As school leaders we must continue to advocate for our students, teachers and educational communities. Public education in North Carolina is strong and vibrant and we must stand strong and remain committed to the work we do daily—educating our children.

Maya Angelou once said that, “Thank you is the greatest compliment you can give someone.”  So to express my heartfelt and sincere appreciation, I would like to thank Wells Fargo Bank for sponsoring the North Carolina Principal of the Year program. Your contribution supported my role as a leader speaking across the state. Your support of public education is evident by your investment in educational initiatives. I am especially grateful for the loaner state car this year. Nearly, $5,000 dollars in gas and 23,000 miles later I’ve traveled from east to west and north to south in my Chevy Impala. Please know I am eternally grateful for your generosity.  Thank you to Education First. Traveling to Switzerland for 6 days, beholding the country in its splendor and glory is beyond words. Participating in the Global Student Leaders Summit in Davos is an experience I will never forget. I met amazing educators from all corners of the world who believed in the power of divergent thinking and making learning about exploration and self-discovery. My time in Switzerland literally changed me. Thank you to Jostens for my signet ring and pendant. When I wear them, I will always recall memories from this past year. Memories that will allow me to celebrate each and every moment I experienced. They are symbols of pride. To the North Carolina State Board of Education and my fellow advisors, Keana Triplett and Dr. Rodney Shotwell I enjoyed my time serving with you. Dr. Atkinson—board members, thank you for allowing my voice to be heard on behalf of my colleagues. Dr. Atkinson you are so genuine and your love for our public schools can be felt when you speak to others about it. Board members you valued and affirmed my thoughts, input and opinions.  You are excellent in all you do. We are fortunate in North Carolina to have you such a fine body of leadership who makes decisions for the education profession in our state.  Thank you to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Dr. Stewart, you’ve been my rock this year and I am eternally grateful for your support, kindness, wisdom and constant professionalism. You are a fine role model for leaders. Thank you to the North Carolina Public School Forum. My experience in the Education Policy Fellows Program was meaningful and I considered it a privilege to discuss educational policy issues with statewide legislators and US elected officials. My involvement with EPFP colleagues served as affirmation in letting our voices be heard as educators near and far. I am grateful to the North Carolina Association of Principals and Assistant Principals for my selection as a National Distinguished Principal. Being invited to the White House and be recognized amongst distinguished leaders from across the nation by our President last week is a moment I will never forget. It literally was the pinnacle of my experience as principal of the year. Thank you to Dr. Rob Jackson, Dale Cole and Dr. Carrie Tulbert for your guidance and wisdom.  Lastly, thank you to Pitt County Schools, especially my Pactolus School family and to my parents who are with me today. You are my firm foundation.

As I reflect on my experience, I recall visiting a school out west whose students faced many challenges academically and socially.  Yet, the school’s principal was determined to ensure their success by hiring excellent teachers and giving students the best education possible. Despite many challenges, this principal saw those challenges as opportunities to work even harder to ensure her students’ success. She celebrated small accomplishments, recognized her teachers for their hard work and always held students at the forefront of her decision-making. It was simple for this school leader, she wanted her students to be successful in life, and knew it would be a collective responsibility of teachers, teacher assistants, office staff, bus drivers, child nutritionist, parents and the community. No one person could be the single driving factor behind student success.

Great principals resemble this school leader. They keep their children at the center of their work. They hire phenomenal individuals who are invested in the work it takes to give children a high quality education. And just like this principal, they lead their schools to high levels of achievement despite the odds they may face.

An author one said that, “Leadership is a personal quest you undertake, based on a mission from the heart.” So today I say, lead from your heart. Remind your teacher’s daily how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. Thank your support staff for their patience and unwavering commitment, as they are unsung heroes in our public schools. Thank your parents and community for trusting you with educating their most precious gifts.

This year I was entrusted with the task of representing principals in North Carolina across many different platforms. Each time I spoke, I stuck my chest out, held my head high and bragged about the great work happening in North Carolina Public Schools. I hope that I have represented my colleagues well. I hope that I have made a positive impact. I hope I have inspired those around me to lead with passion and to serve those they lead to the best of their ability every day. And I hope that I inspired those around me to be a change agent in education—because true inspiration leads to change.

This is just the beginning of the great work we will continue to do together. I’m honored to have met so many amazing principals. I am inspired by all of the 2016 Regional Principals of the Year. Each of you have inspired me because you’ve set the most amazing conditions for learning in your schools. You are educational champions, I applaud each of you and in this moment, I celebrate you and am proud of the work you have done for your schools and communities.

Finally, in our role as school leaders, many days we laugh, some days we cry, a lot of days we go home tired but everyday we make a positive difference in the life of a child! I am eternally grateful for this moment and I will never forget this wonderful experience. Thank you and congratulations to all of the 2016 Regional Principals of the Year.