In June, Cumberland County Schools released a list of the 18 principals and assistant principals who are finalists for the “2025 Principal of the Year” and “2025 Assistant Principal of the Year” honors, respectively.
When asked what being a finalist means to them, many said it is an honor and a privilege, feeling grateful to be recognized by their colleagues who selected them for this distinction.
Most acknowledged their peers and supporters as crucial parts of their journey, and are humbled to be a part of an outstanding group of finalists. This recognition has given many motivation to persevere and continue to positively impact the community.
The school system will be holding a special event this fall to announce and honor the winners.
Meet the finalists and find out what their special memories are from being in their role.
PRINCIPALS
Benjamin Martin Elementary School: Corine O. B. Warren
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of being a principal is building authentic relationships with students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members. I firmly believe that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. When people see that you genuinely have their best interests at heart, they are more than willing to accept you and go above and beyond to help you achieve the school’s mission. It’s essential to connect with their hearts before reaching their minds. This approach fosters a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone thrives and prospers.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being principal.
Our school was recognized for its growth and development one and a half years after I began my role. I started my principalship on Jan. 6, 2020, six weeks before schools became virtual (and eventually remote) due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite our unprecedented challenges, our dedicated staff and students worked tirelessly, and their efforts paid off extraordinarily. I received the thrilling news that our school had exceeded state expectations, which it previously did not meet. I gathered my school family members for a meeting, and with immense pride and exhilaration, I shouted about our accomplishment. Although I always strive to be transparent with my school family, they’d never heard me express such a burst of emotion. I was elated for them to see the fruits of their labor.
Mary McArthur Elementary School: Lisa Gillespie
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is building teacher capacity and facilitating a successful environment focused on teaching and learning.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being principal.
A special memory is having my daughter, Ivery attend Mary McArthur Elementary School with me for two years. Having her as a student allowed me to experience the greatness of our school as both a parent and an educator.
J.W. Seabrook Elementary School: Antoine McGill
What is your favorite part of your job?
Witnessing the growth and development of our students. Every day, I get to see young minds flourish, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of their educational journey and to support them as they learn and discover their passions. Ultimately, knowing that I have a role in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow is what makes this job so meaningful to me.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being principal.
Educators are known for their ability to monitor and adjust; particularly when it comes to classroom instruction. Covid-19 presented many challenges for public education as we have typically known it. However, this period definitely holds a special memory for me. Watching teachers change everything they know about teaching in order to still reach children was amazing. In the midst of the pandemic, teachers and public schools were truly seen as not only heroes but an essential part of our community.
W.T. Brown Elementary School: Dr. Shanessa Fenner
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is to see and be a part of the academic progress of our babies from the first day of school until end-of-grade testing in May. It is a poignant reminder of the pivotal role and collective efforts of the entire school staff in obtaining the high academic growth of our babies. Everyone from the bus driver to the custodian has a pertinent role in shaping our future leaders and their tomorrow.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being principal.
I drove up to the McDonald’s drive-thru window and one of my former students was working there. She saw me and said, “Dr. Fenner, I am in college like you told us to do every day on the morning announcements.” I laughed so hard, but she was absolutely correct. It felt good to know that she was listening and took heed to what I was saying. It is an absolute privilege to have a positive influence on the lives of our future generation.
Sherwood Park Elementary School: Shannon T. Booth
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is witnessing the transformative impact we can make when we remove barriers that hinder student growth. Every day I find immense joy in creating an environment where students feel empowered to learn and succeed without limitations. Whether it’s through innovative educational programs, personalized support systems, or fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, seeing students flourish and overcome challenges is incredibly rewarding. It reaffirms my belief in the power of education to change lives and strengthens my commitment to ensuring every student reaches their full potential.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being principal.
One of the most special memories of my career as a principal was implementing a mentoring program that truly made a difference in our students’ lives. Witnessing firsthand the transformation as students gained confidence, set ambitious goals, and surpassed their own expectations was incredibly moving.
Westover Middle School: Dr. Natasha Brown
What is your favorite part of your job?
Seeing the vision come to life. I absolutely love coaching a teacher or member of my leadership team to realize and step into the potential I saw from the beginning. It brings me great joy to witness someone grow and thrive. Similarly, I am passionate about seeing my students succeed, overcoming any obstacles or barriers in their way. It always brings a smile to my face when I see the fruits of a positive and cultivated culture throughout my school and within everyone I serve as a building leader.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being principal.
A particularly memorable moment was when our school received national recognition as a “Model School 2024.” I had the privilege of sharing my journey as a principal and the incredible achievements at our school with educators from across the U.S. It was inspiring to see how my story of leading our school through a pandemic, achieving high growth levels, and managing high teacher turnover as a fairly new principal motivated others in what is often called a thankless profession. This experience reaffirmed the power of resilience and dedication, inspiring fellow educators to return to their schools with renewed enthusiasm and commitment.
Hope Mills Middle School: Regina Blanding
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love being a servant leader. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a principal is the opportunity to positively impact the lives of students, teachers, and the school community. As a principal, you have the chance to create a supportive and inspiring environment where students can learn and grow academically, socially, and emotionally. It warms my heart when I can help a parent/guardian looking for answers or a student seeking advice.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being principal.
As a principal, the Covid-19 lockdown was a time of perseverance and creativity. It also highlighted the relationships our students have with schools and school leaders. There were days spent delivering snacks and books to the front porches of families in need that lacked transportation. There were lighthearted moments while “visiting” virtual kindergarten classrooms full of excited learners, stuffed animals, and sometimes pets. I relish the memories of students in grades 3-5 who would log into my virtual office to “have lunch with Ms. B.” The fact that they chose to spend time with me demonstrated the bonds I formed with our school families. The lockdown period reignited my passion as an educator and this is how I choose to remember this time in our history.
E.E. Smith High School: Larry Parker Jr.
What is your favorite part of your job?
One of the most cherished aspects of my role as principal of E.E. Smith High School is the opportunity to stand in the hallways during class transitions, warmly greeting students as they navigate their way to their next lessons. These moments not only allow me to connect with our vibrant student body but also reinforce my commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being principal.
Becoming the principal of E.E. Smith High School was more than a professional milestone; it was a profound chapter in the story of generations. The day I assumed the role of principal was a culmination of years of dedication, not just to my career, but to the community that shaped me. As I walked through the familiar halls where I once studied, where my father had roamed decades before, and where my grandfather first embarked on his educational journey, a profound sense of continuity and legacy washed over me. To be entrusted with the stewardship of a school deeply woven into the fabric of my family’s history was both humbling and exhilarating. It was a day etched with pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of connection to a school that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Massey Hill Classical High School: Dr. Douglas Massengill Jr.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The role of the school principal has evolved rapidly, especially over the past several decades. We are no longer just managerial leaders who hire teachers and dole out discipline when needed. In the age of accountability and school choice, we are charged with being the chief advocate for our school. In addition to all of my many other tasks, I enjoy highlighting the many important accomplishments of my students and teachers throughout our community. I also consider it my responsibility to fight hard to ensure that they all have whatever resources they need to continue to be successful.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being principal.
At Massey Hill Classical High School, I am privileged to know all of my students and many of my families well. After becoming principal of the school at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, I had the responsibility of being the new principal and reinstating policies that had been suspended during Covid-19. As you can imagine, many of these items were not popular with students, but were necessary to ensure continued student safety and a return to high academic expectations. I vividly remember one student who was very unpleased with me and they made that displeasure known at a junior class meeting. Fast forward two years and add lots of conversations and relationship building and the biggest hug I received post-graduation was from that same student.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS
William H. Owen Elementary School: Constance Thomas
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love working with my scholars and staff. Building those relationships and planting that seed that will soon grow into a beautiful plant is the end goal.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being assistant principal.
One of my most memorable moments in my career as an assistant principal was creating a remediation/tutoring program that accelerated our scholars’ learning in grades 3-5. The planning process was implemented by collaborating with teachers and the leadership team to ensure all scholars’ needs were being met with equity in mind. The timeline for this plan was for 90 days to assist in increasing student proficiency and closing the gaps. At the end of the school year we saw tremendous growth and an increase in proficiency of our scholars.
Westarea Elementary School: Jernise Flood Rucker
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is communicating with students. I enjoy greeting them throughout the day and listening to them share their dreams and excitement for life with me.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being assistant principal.
Some of my most precious memories have been created with students. Having the opportunity to see them grow into young adults is very rewarding. I specifically remember a few of my previous students coming back to visit and sharing stories of how our school helped them along their journey. Students and their education is top priority for me and I look forward to creating many more special memories in the future!
Ed V. Baldwin Elementary School: Dr. Hope Littlejohn
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of being an administrator is being able to positively impact students. The time that I am able to spend in each classroom and getting to know all the students highlights what I love about being an administrator. I never want to forget what it means to be in the classroom and interact with students each day.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being assistant principal.
A special memory of mine as an assistant principal is when I became the assistant principal at a new school and I learned about a young lady that I was told was going to give me a hard time. I knew that I wanted to reiterate a positive school culture and positively impact students. Therefore, when I had the opportunity to meet this student, and many others like her, I wanted them to know that I was on their side and I was going to motivate them and uplift them throughout the school year. When this student came to me on the first day of school after she had disrespected her classmates and teacher, I knew I would form an immediate relationship and ensure that I was her personal cheerleader. By the end of the school year, her teacher was highlighting how she was a different student from the beginning of the year and her mother was pleased with the changes she saw in her child. If I could have a success story like this with every student that I encounter then I have accomplished my favorite aspect of my job.
Walker-Spivey Elementary School: Latonica McDonald
What is your favorite part of your job?
The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on my school community. I find immense fulfillment in working closely with teachers and staff members as they meet the diverse needs of our students. Supporting teachers in understanding students’ strengths, challenges, and aspirations is particularly rewarding to me. Empowering them to act as caring and guiding figures in students’ lives is a privilege I cherish deeply. Witnessing the success and growth of both students and teachers is the most rewarding aspect of my role.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being assistant principal.
One special memory that I hold close to my heart is my work with the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Initiative over the past two years. As the Chairperson of PBIS, I noticed that teachers were concerned about student behavior and how it was disrupting learning in the classroom.
To address these concerns, I collaborated with the teachers on the PBIS team and reached out to colleagues at other schools for ideas. This led to the creation of Club Day. Once each quarter, students could choose to attend a club of their interest. We organized clubs such as Chess, Canvas Painting, Brain Teasers, and Karaoke, to name a few.
Students were thrilled about Club Day and worked hard to improve their behavior to earn the reward of participating. As a result, we saw a significant decrease in behavioral issues and an increase in student success. The initiative not only engaged students but also provided them with a fun and creative outlet.
Teachers, students, and families all benefited from this new approach.
Cumberland Academy, K-5: Teresa Rubio
What is your favorite part of your job?
Making connections with the community, staff, families, and children. It’s all about the children, and with that in mind, it includes every aspect of their lives. It’s being there when families are in need, knowing the children, listening to the needs of the staff, and cultivating a positive learning environment.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being assistant principal.
A special memory I have is when Mrs. Ray, a retired principal, encouraged me to go forth to achieve my career goals. It was during this moment that I realized being a leader is not about self; it is about building the capacity of others around you. Education is not done alone, it is not a competition, it is not who knows more, it is pulling together to ensure the best for all students. It is about every special moment when students see you many years later with their stories of accomplishments.
South View Middle School: Eddie Ford IV
What is your favorite part of your job?
Being able to go into classrooms, observe good teaching/behaviors, and provide teachers feedback/support. Relationships are key in education and I truly believe that good administrators provide feedback. I also enjoy sports and making sure that all of my student-athletes focus on academics and athletics. It is very rewarding to see students reach their potential in the classroom and represent our school in athletics.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being assistant principal.
This school year, a student in the 8th grade did not have a father figure in his life and his mother asked if I could be a mentor for her son. His mother’s main concern was her son making good choices. I gave her my word and I checked on him once a week for his grades and behavior. Toward the end of the school year, he was nervous about his EOG test. I spoke to his teachers about ensuring he had tutoring during school and after. He ended up passing his EOG test. This was truly a defining moment for the student. This will always be a special memory for me.
Westover Middle School: Elan Goodman-Robinson
What is your favorite part of your job?
The opportunities that are created each day to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives. I love the work that I am afforded to do in supporting and mentoring students as scholars, and helping them achieve their greatest potential. This work also allows me to work alongside premiere professional teachers and staff to create a school culture and climate that provides well-rounded opportunities to mold successful scholars and everyone feels valued and safe.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being assistant principal.
One of the greatest memories by far has been surprising a former student at his high school graduation. When greeting this young man at his graduation, he smiled and we cried. He told his family that it was I who continuously encouraged him (even after he no longer attended my school) to do great things when life was pulling him in different directions. This moment will forever be engraved in my memory.
Pine Forest High School: Pierre Cobb
What is your favorite part of your job?
Interacting with the students in my building. When I was a teacher, I strived to build relationships with my students, and some of those relationships have lasted for years after they graduated. Now, I am fortunate enough to continue that trend.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being assistant principal.
One special memory from my career was the first home football game after being hired as the assistant principal at Pine Forest High School in 2021. This game took place the week before school started and really solidified the idea of me being a part of this amazing leadership team led by the awesome principal, Dr. Juelle McDonald. That night, it really hit me that I was no longer a teacher and that I was considered a leader, and people saw me in that light. It was a memorable experience to see how we, as a team, jumped in together to work that night amidst the craziness of Covid-19 and with students and families being able to gather together again. In so many words, “I found my tribe” through my work, and it was amongst leaders who pushed and are continuously pushing me.
E.E. Smith High School: Jessica Black
What is your favorite part of your job?
While it may seem strange, no day is the same and that is exciting. My favorite part of my job is working with students who are as close to their adult selves as they will be and we get to be a part of their journey into the next step of their lives.
Tell us about a special memory from your career you have of being assistant principal.
Of course, all classes are special but there is always something special about your first class. I began as an assistant principal in 2014 and one of my favorite days was when the class of 2018 graduated. There were so many stories with that class and I felt like we “grew up” together. I was blessed to be able to watch their full high school experience. It has been great to see and hear from so many of those students (and all of our students) after they graduate and learn more about their lives and how their experiences and relationships at E.E. Smith made them who they are today.
Read CityView Magazine’s “Back to School” August 2024 e-edition here.
