Jake Willis will transfer from Midway Elementary School to Midway High School as the school’s new principal.
The move, approved by the Sampson County Board of Education Monday night, marks a return to Midway High for Willis, who served as assistant principal there from 2022 to 2024 before becoming principal at Midway Elementary, a position he held until 2026.
A Johnston County native, Willis attended Barton College, where he majored in social studies education. He began his career at Triton High School in Harnett County, serving as a history teacher and baseball coach. During that time, Willis earned a master’s degree in school administration from Barton College.
Willis said the opportunity to make a broader impact on students drew him toward school administration.
“In my time in the classroom, I always really enjoyed helping out the students any way I could, and I really was looking for an opportunity to have a bigger impact — more school-wide impact — rather than just impacting the students in my classroom,” Willis said in a phone interview Tuesday morning after telling his staff the news.. “So that was always something of interest to me.”
After earning his master’s degree, Willis entered school administration, eventually serving as assistant principal at Midway High before becoming principal at Midway Elementary.
He reflected on the transition from working with high school students to leading an elementary school.
“Regardless of the age of students, schools are about meeting the needs of those students and building strong relationships. The Midway district, across the board, has very dedicated teachers. So, while the age difference in students was challenging, it was very exciting and fun to go from one level to another, to see the great things happening at Midway Elementary and be a part of that, and kind of build the foundation of the students’ education as they get started in their educational career. … I really enjoyed my time at the elementary school.”
Now returning to Midway High, Willis said he looks forward to continuing to serve the Midway community while helping students navigate one of the most important stages of their lives.
“At the high school level, students are preparing for college, careers, possibilities of military service, or whatever path they may choose, so being part of that process with the students and the staff is a very exciting opportunity for me,” he said.