Every year , Union County Public Schools ( UCPS ) recognizes a principal who not only exemplifies outstanding leadership but also works tirelessly to establish an environment that is conducive to the pursuit and achievement of academic excellence .
Ten UCPS Principal of the Year finalists have been selected
UCPS names Principal of the Year finalists
from a pool of more than 50 principals . The winner was announced at a Principal ’ s Meeting luncheon on October 12th and will represent UCPS in the Wells Fargo Principal of the Year competition .
Congratulations to the following Principal of the Year finalists :
10 • Nov / Dec 2017 • Parent Teacher Magazine
Benton Heights Elementary – Dr . Candice Boatright
Dr . Candice Boatright began her career in education teaching in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and UCPS elementary schools . She gained experience as an assistant principal at Parkwood High for four years before serving as principal of Indian Trail Elementary in 2010 . In June 2017 , she was named principal at Benton Heights Elementary .
Marvin Ridge High – Donna Cook Donna Cook began her career in UCPS as a teacher at Wesley Chapel and Unionville Elementary schools . In addition to working as an assistant principal and principal at Unionville Elementary , she went on to serve as principal of Rea View Elementary in 2007 before coming to Marvin Ridge High in 2014 .
New Town Elementary – Catherine Perry
Catherine Perry has taught several grades in both elementary and middle schools throughout her time in the classroom . She began her tenure with New Town Elementary as a fifth grade teacher , later joining the school ’ s administration as an assistant principal in 2008 before being named principal in 2013 .
Porter Ridge High – Dr . Bashawn Harris
Dr . Bashawn Harris began his education career at Coulwood Middle in Charlotte , where he served as a special education teacher . In 2008 , he served as an assistant principal at Forest Hills High before being named principal at Porter Ridge Middle in 2012 . He was named principal of Porter Ridge High in 2014 .
Sardis Elementary – Theresa Benson
Theresa Benson began her education career in South Florida , where she taught preschool and elementary school for 14 years . After serving as assistant principal at Sun Valley High in 2006 and Hemby Bridge Middle in 2008 , Theresa was named principal at Walter Bickett Elementary where she stayed for five years before being selected to lead Sardis Elementary in 2014 .
Stallings Elementary – Laura Gaddy
After teaching for nine years in Elon and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools , Laura Gaddy served as assistant principal at Shiloh Elementary for one year before coming to Stallings Elementary as assistant principal in 2008 . She was named principal of Stallings Elementary in 2012 .
Unionville Elementary – Dr . Sharyn VonCannon
Dr . Sharyn VonCannon began her professional career as a teacher assistant in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools . After earning her teaching degree from UNC Charlotte , she taught at Indian Trail Elementary and at schools in Stanly County before coming to UCPS in 2004 as the assistant principal of Unionville Elementary . Dr . VonCannon was named principal of Unionville Elementary in
2007 .
Weddington High – Dr . Jay Jones Dr . Jay Jones began his teaching career in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools where he taught in middle and high schools in addition to serving as an assistant principal and athletic director at Jay M . Robinson Middle . Dr . Jones transitioned to UCPS in 2007 where he worked as an assistant principal at Waxhaw Elementary before being named principal of Marvin Elementary School in 2009 . In 2013 , he was named principal of Marvin Ridge Middle where he remained before being named principal of Weddington High in 2017 .