Editor’s note: A version of this story first appeared in CityView’s education newsletter on June 9. Subscribe to receive it on Tuesdays along with our daily newsletter, which is sent mornings Sunday through Friday.
When Juelle McDonald walks the halls of Pine Forest High School, she’s doing so in the same school district that helped shape her own educational journey.
A graduate of Cumberland County Schools and E.E. Smith High School, McDonald returned to the district after beginning her career as an English teacher, eventually rising through the ranks of school leadership to become principal of Pine Forest High School in 2021.
That journey recently came full circle when Pine Forest received the Lighthouse School Award from the North Carolina Association for Teaching, Learning, and Leading (NCATLL). It’s an honor recognizing schools committed to excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership.
For McDonald, the award represents years of intentional work by students, teachers, staff, and the broader school community.
CityView recently spoke with McDonald about her path into education, what the recognition means for Pine Forest, and how the school works to support both students and educators.
Will you share your journey in education and what led to your role at Pine Forest High School?
I am a proud graduate of Cumberland County Schools and earned my diploma from E.E. Smith High School, which makes my journey in education especially meaningful to me. As a North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program recipient, I was given the opportunity to pursue my passion for teaching and return to serve the very community that helped shape me.
I began my career teaching at E.E. Smith High School, where I developed a deep commitment to student growth and academic excellence. That experience laid the foundation for my transition into school leadership, and I later joined Pine Forest High School as an assistant principal.
Serving in that role strengthened my desire to make a broader impact, and I was honored to continue my journey at Pine Forest as principal. Being able to lead in the same district that poured into me is both a privilege and a responsibility that I carry with great pride every day.
What does receiving the NCATLL Lighthouse School Award signify for your school?
Receiving the NCATLL Lighthouse School Award signifies so much for our school community. Over the past several years, we have made a very intentional commitment to excellence in everything we do.
This recognition is truly a team accomplishment; it reflects the dedication, resilience, and hard work of our students, faculty, staff, and the entire community that supports us. It affirms that our collective efforts are making a meaningful impact and reinforces our shared belief in striving for excellence every single day.
What key practices or initiatives contributed to Pine Forest earning this recognition?
Earning this recognition is not the result of any single practice or initiative, but rather a combination of our collective efforts as a school community. At Pine Forest High School, we have been very intentional about exploring and implementing innovative strategies to strengthen both our instructional practices and overall school culture.
Our staff is continuously seeking creative and effective ways to engage students and elevate achievement. That shared commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence across all areas is what truly contributed to this recognition.
How do you foster a culture of teaching and learning that supports educators and students?
At Pine Forest High School, we believe that everyone plays an essential role in shaping our culture of teaching and learning. Our foundation is rooted in a shared commitment to excellence in all that we do, and that expectation extends to both our educators and our students.
We intentionally create a supportive environment by providing targeted resources and interventions for students, while also ensuring our teachers feel empowered and equipped to succeed. This includes ongoing professional learning, collaborative planning opportunities, and a strong focus on building meaningful relationships across our school community.
We also prioritize open communication, celebrate growth, and achievements and foster a sense of belonging where every individual feels valued. By maintaining high expectations and pairing them with the right supports, we create a culture where both educators and students are motivated, supported and able to thrive.
How did these efforts impact student outcomes or school climate?
At Pine Forest High School, these efforts have helped cultivate a culture where both students and staff are motivated to give their very best each day. By being intentional about strengthening instruction and building a positive school climate, we’ve created an environment where high expectations are paired with strong support.
As a result, we’ve seen increased student engagement, a stronger sense of accountability, and more students taking ownership of their learning. Our focus on relationships and consistency has also contributed to a more positive school climate, where students feel seen, supported and connected.
Additionally, our commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement has strengthened staff morale and alignment, which directly impacts the quality of instruction students receive. Overall, these efforts have fostered a school community where growth, achievement, and pride are evident across all areas.
