HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. – The title of Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) Principal of the Year is staying in the Knight family this year as Dr. Katelyn Davis, principal of Apple Valley Middle School, has been named the 2025 HCPS Principal of the Year. Last year’s recipient, Dr. John Shepard of North Henderson High School, passed the honor to his fellow Knight.
The announcement came as a joyful surprise as Dr. Davis returned to campus after a district principal meeting. The entire school lined the drive with handmade signs and cheers, celebrating their principal’s well-deserved recognition.
Under Dr. Davis’s leadership, Apple Valley Middle School has continued to excel academically, exceeding growth for the 2024-2025 school year after meeting growth for the two consecutive years prior. Apple Valley Middle is also the district’s first middle school to earn the Leader in Me Lighthouse designation, and it is among an elite cohort of Lighthouse schools in the state, nation, and even worldwide. Apple Valley is one of eight middle schools in the state with the designation. Her energetic and positive approach, genuine care for staff, willingness to challenge herself and others, have shaped a culture of belonging and achievement at Apple Valley.
“Dr. Davis is an outstanding example of what servant leadership looks like in our schools,” said HCPS Superintendent Mark R. Garrett. “She leads with compassion and purpose, ensuring that every decision centers on what’s best for students. Her dedication to the Apple Valley community is evident in everything she does, and we’re proud to have her represent Henderson County Public Schools as this year’s Principal of the Year.”
Dr. Davis began her career with Henderson County Public Schools in 2014 as an assistant principal at North Henderson High School, serving there until 2017. She then joined Apple Valley Middle School as assistant principal from 2018 to 2020 before being named principal in 2020. For more than a decade, she has been deeply invested in fostering student success in Henderson County.
Each school year, the Principal of the Year is nominated and selected by his or her peers, the other 21 principals in the district, giving special significance to the honor.
“I am truly humbled and honored by this recognition,” Dr. Davis said. “I’m so proud to lead such an incredible team of educators and to serve the amazing students and families of Apple Valley. This award reflects the hard work and heart that everyone in our school community brings each day.”
