He has been in education for the past 15 years, the last seven of them at the helm of Hobbton High School, leading young minds into the future. Now Dr. Wesley Johnson has a new title to add to his name — the 2012-13 Sampson County Schools Principal of the Year.
The item was discussed during Tuesday morning’s work session by the Sampson County Board of Education, however, voting was done by Johnson’s peers during summer educational meetings.
“I am just thrilled about the whole thing,” Johnson said about the honor Tuesday afternoon. “The fact that I was selected by my peers and that they wanted to recognize me, it just doesn’t get any better than that.”
Superintendent Dr. Ethan Lenker noted that Johnson was the perfect choice not only for the Principal of the Year but also to represent the county system at the regional POY competition.
“Dr. Johnson is an outstanding principal and very deserving of being named Principal of the Year for Sampson County Schools,” the superintendent noted. “This honor is voted on by his fellow principals, which deepens the value of the award. We have started several new initiatives in Sampson County Schools during my time and Dr. Johnson has been strong educational leader in implementing those initiatives. His commitment to Hobbton High and Sampson County is second to none and it shows in his leadership.”
Johnson said he had no idea that out of all the great principals throughout the county, he would be giventhe honor. “I was voting with them in those meetings,” he laughs. “I guess enough of them felt like I was doing a pretty good job and the votes fell my way. I am just really honored.”
The educator began his educational career at Union High School back in 1998 as a math teacher; he then moved on to Roseboro Salemburg Elementary as a physical education teacher for four years before taking a job as assistant principal at Hobbton Middle School for a year. Since then he has been principal at Hobbton High, somewhere he is happy to be.
“You know what, we have great people in this community; we have great kids who rarely get in trouble here; we have great parents and, of course, a great staff here,” he attested. “Everyone at this school and in this community are willing to chip in and help when it is needed and that pays off for everyone.”
Johnson will now spend the next few months preparing a portfolio for regional POY judges. He has already consulted with 2010-11 N.C. Teacher of the Year Jennifer Facciolini, an educator at Midway High School, for some tips on how best to move forward.
“She has shared her experience with me and is helping me get my portfolio and other things prepared for the regional competition that will bring together the eight regions,” he said. “That judging will begin at the end of Novemberand I can honestly tell you, I am very excited to be involved in it.”
In the meantime, Johnson will be honored by the Board of Education at next Monday night’s regular board meeting and receive the latest instructional version of an iPad.
“I am just really proud,” he said. “To know that I was chosen by my peers to enjoy this experience is something special. In this job, I am away from home and my family a lot, it is a lot of hard work, to know that people think I am doing a good job, it feels good and I really do appreciate that.”
To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or email to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.
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