Wilkins named Principal of Year
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on October 5, 2004 2:02 PM
Norwayne Middle School Principal Barbara Wilkins has been named the 2005 Principal of the Year for Wayne County public schools.
The announcement was made during Monday night's school board meeting.
An educator for more than 15 years, Mrs. Wilkins received her bachelor's degree from Meredith College and her master's degree in counselor education from East Carolina University. Her first job with Wayne County public schools was as a third-grade teacher at East End School.
Nearly a year later, she moved into the guidance counselor position at William Street School, followed by six years as a counselor at North Drive Elementary.
She earned her principal certificate from East Carolina University in 1984 and was summer school principal at Carver Heights Elementary in 1992. The experience launched her into school administration, with her first assistant principal position at Carver Heights Elementary.
After 13 years at Carver Heights and another two as assistant principal at Northwest Elementary, she was named principal at Brogden Primary in 1998. She said that during her four years at Brogden, her proudest accomplishment was improving writing proficiency scores. Students increased test scores by 42.3 percent in a two-year period.
Two years ago, she was named principal at Norwayne. Reflecting on her career so far, she said she has enjoyed worked in Wayne County.
"I've had great experiences and some challenges," she said, "and I truly think I am a better person for the challenges I've had to face."
Schools Superintendent Steven Taylor said Mrs. Wilkins deserves the honor after having served the school system with distinction.
"She is a true educator, putting children first while working closely with staff and parents to assure the success of each child," he said. "Mrs. Wilkins is creative in her administrative approach and exemplifies attributes needed for this award."
The Wachovia Principal of the Year program is co-sponsored by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and Wachovia Bank Corp. Mrs. Wilkins will next compete against other local winners from the eastern region of the state. Eight regional winners will be chosen in February, with the state recipient to be announced at a luncheon in Raleigh in April.
As winner for the school system, Mrs. Wilkins receives $200. Regional winners are awarded $1,500 for their school and $1,500 for personal use. The 2005 Wachovia Principal of the Year will receive $3,000 for the school and $3,000 for personal use.
This is the 21st year Wachovia has sponsored the financial awards.