Final Word: Moments of Hope from the NC Principal of the Year Network

Dr. Patrick Greene

What gives me hope is knowing that we’re moving beyond COVID. We’re seeing students rebound. We’re seeing teachers starting to do well again, and now we’re seeing some thriving again and so it gives me hope that people are excited about all that schools are offering and that kids are achieving and getting what they want out of public education. Every year this time of year, in the Spring, I get to see seniors that have grown and are going to the next step, but also see underclassmen where the light bulb is starting to come on and things are clicking and this time of year they’re choosing classes for the next year and they’ve got a plan. That gives me hope every single year that things are working, and the kids want to do things and they’re taking advantage of all that their schools have to offer.

Donna Bledsoe

Last week tragedy struck my school community with a student loss, and what gives me hope is that we all came together. Neighboring districts reached out to us, and so did neighboring schools and community members. It really showed that we are all stronger together and that public schools do matter in our communities and they are the hub in the good times and the bad. For me in that dark moment, it was such a light to see everybody come together for our small rural school. It was beautiful and it really made me remember that the work that we do is so impactful. The family said they never really knew how much teachers cared and how much staff members care, and I think to see a family go through that and for that to be their takeaway demonstrates how much we really do all care for the children that we serve. Is it’s just a beautiful moment of hope.

Dr. Elena Ashburn

I think these fine people on the screen give me hope. Patrick and Donna are just such good examples of the people that are in public schools across the state doing heroic work to ensure that every child receives an excellent education. And of course, children give me hope. If you need an ounce of hope, walk through a school during lunchtime and you will have it. You’ll laugh, you’ll smile, you might get upset with a kid but then realize they’re just a kid. It’s just a place where you can be recharge. Kids give me hope and so do educators like Patrick and Donna who do the work every day in schools.

Dr. Mary Ann Wolf

Well, all three of you give me hope every single time I get to see you, and I just appreciate you bringing up both the challenges, as well as why we all do what we do and the role that public schools play in each and every one of our communities across North Carolina. Thank you so much for joining us today.