HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (October 10, 2024) â Dr. John Shepard, principal of North Henderson High School, has done it again. After first earning the title in 2019, Dr. Shepard has been named the 2024-2025 Principal of the Year for Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS), marking his second time receiving this prestigious honor.
During a Hurricane Helene Recovery meeting with his peers, Dr. Shepard was surprised with the announcement, recognizing his exceptional leadership and commitment to fostering both academic and personal growth among students and staff. Under his leadership, North Henderson High School achieved the highest academic growth index in the district for the 2023-2024 school year, with an impressive score of 9.57, surpassing the expectations set by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.
In addition to academic achievement, North Henderson High has been recertified as a Lighthouse School through the LEAD High School program, a designation reflecting the schoolâs commitment to fostering student leadership and personal development. Dr. Shepard has championed the Leader in Me model since its implementation, helping students develop critical life skills through strategic leadership lessons integrated into their curriculum.
“Dr. Shepardâs continued focus on both academic growth and personal leadership makes North Henderson High School a model across the state,” said HCPS Superintendent Mark R. Garrett. “Recently, I witnessed Dr. Shepard step up to assist his community at the supplies distribution center after Hurricane Helene. He and his team are working tirelessly to connect his students and their families with what they need as they recover from the stormâs devastating impacts. When his school or community needs him, he is always there. He truly personifies his schoolâs motto, âLove Purple! Live Gold!â We are fortunate to have Dr. Shepard leading in our district and proud to have him represent Henderson County Public Schools.â
Dr. Shepard joined Henderson County Public Schools in 2013 as an assistant principal at North Henderson High after teaching social studies and serving as an administrator in Buncombe County. In 2014, he was appointed principal at North Henderson and has since been dedicated for over a decade to fostering a culture of growth, leadership, and community at the school.
Each school year, the Principal of the Year is nominated by and voted on by his or her peers â the other 22 principals in the Henderson County Public Schools system, giving special significance to the designation.
“I am once again truly overwhelmed by this honor. It brings me great joy to serve the students, staff, and community of North Henderson High School. Henderson County is blessed with exceptional district leadership, remarkable school administrators, and outstanding teachers. Working with these committed educators is a distinguished opportunity,” Dr. Shepard said.
Dr. Shepard holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Western Carolina University, a Masterâs degree in School Administration, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University.
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