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.”
“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 1st
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.