In a celebration of educational leadership, nine principals from various regions in North Carolina have garnered accolades as regional Principals of the Year, setting the stage for the selection of the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year.
The announcement of the top principal will unfold on May 15 at The Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary, where one distinguished leader will be honored for their exceptional contributions to the education system.
“Being a principal is a unique role that combines leadership, management and people skills, pedagogical knowledge and a lot of hard work,” stated Maurice “Mo” Green, North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction. He emphasized the impact these leaders have in fostering educational success through innovative programs, professional development, and community partnerships.
The recipient of the Wells Fargo Principal of the Year serves as a key ambassador among the state’s 2,700 principals, influencing educational policy by advising the State Board of Education and participating on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Public School Forum.
Suzie Koonce, Vice President for Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo, expressed pride in celebrating these educational leaders, recognizing their passion and commitment to fostering stronger schools and communities. “Their commitment to excellence inspires us, and we are honored to support their efforts in building stronger schools and communities,” she remarked.
Established in 1984, the Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Award highlights the pivotal role principals play in cultivating an environment conducive to academic excellence.
This year’s award ceremony will be accessible to a broader audience through a livestream on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s social media platforms, including YouTube and Facebook, allowing more people to join in the celebration by following #NCTOYPOY.
Additional details about the program are available on the NCDPI website.
The 2026 finalists for NC Principal of the Year are:
Northeast: Kelly E. Flora
Nags Head Elementary School (Dare County Schools)
Kelly Flora, principal of Nags Head Elementary School since 2021, has prioritized rebuilding trust post-pandemic. She transformed classroom observations into professional dialogues and established a 23-member leadership team to foster innovation and problem-solving. Community engagement initiatives such as One School, One Author and Club Days help build a sense of belonging among students, parents, and staff. Her leadership has led to improved end-of-grade assessment scores for the 2024-25 academic year.
Southeast: Dr. Marlow Artis
Craven Early College High School (Craven County Schools)
Dr. Marlow Artis has ingrained executive functioning strategies into the school’s culture, promoting higher-order thinking through consistent agendas and structured routines. His communication tools, like the O.W.L. and the H.O.O.T., keep the school community informed and involved. Under his leadership, the school has maintained an A performance grade and achieved historical success in end-of-course tests. Artis is also involved with the Early College Network and holds an ISTE+ASCD Instructional Leaders Certification.
North Central: Dr. Mariah Walker
Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy (Wake County Public School System)
Dr. Mariah Walker fosters a culture of authenticity and vulnerability at Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy. Her leadership focuses on professional development, equity, and personal well-being, involving students and community partners in school initiatives. This approach facilitated a smooth transition of the school’s early college program and earned WYWLA a 2026 Top Magnet School of Excellence award. Walker is also a mentor and leader within the broader educational community.
Sandhills: Dr. Latreicia Allen
John Griffin Middle School (Cumberland County Schools)
Dr. Latreicia Allen leads with the mantra “Every child, every chance, every day,” focusing on data-driven decisions and community partnerships. She has shifted the school’s discipline model to one based on empathy and reflection, resulting in improved school performance from a C to a B grade. Allen’s emphasis on professional development and equitable practices has fostered a thriving educational environment.
Piedmont Triad: Dr. Darrell A. Harris, Jr.
Eastern Guilford High School (Guilford County Schools)
Dr. Darrell A. Harris, Jr. champions inclusive policy-making and authentic dialogue at Eastern Guilford High School. His collaborative approach to creating a cell phone policy exemplifies his leadership style, which has led to improved student outcomes and recognition with the 2025 Hubert B. Humphrey, Jr. School Improvement Award. Professional development and personalized support for teachers are key aspects of his leadership.
Southwest: LaTresha Wilson
Tuckaseegee Elementary School (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools)
LaTresha Wilson emphasizes equity in education, addressing inequities head-on and promoting cultural celebrations to engage the diverse student body. Under her leadership, Tuckaseegee Elementary School’s performance grade improved from a D to a B, and the school was recognized for its literacy growth. Community partnerships further support students and families in need.
Northwest: Dustin Farmer
Ashe County High School (Ashe County Schools)
Dustin Farmer is dedicated to student success, having implemented individualized graduation plans to ensure students graduate ready for the future. His efforts have resulted in a graduation rate exceeding 90% for the first time in school history. Farmer also supports teachers through tailored professional development, drawing on his extensive experience in education.
Western: Jennifer McBrayer
CHASE Middle School (Rutherford County Schools)
Jennifer McBrayer uses social media to clarify school policies and engage with stakeholders, fostering trust and integrity. Her leadership has led to a reduction in disciplinary referrals and improved teacher satisfaction. McBrayer also coordinates community partnerships to enhance learning opportunities and led relief efforts during Hurricane Helene.
Charter: Deborah Brown
The Exploris School
Deborah Brown, known for pioneering the “flipped” classroom model, has transformed leadership at The Exploris School into a collaborative endeavor. Her focus on professional development for staff and her role in broader educational initiatives underscore her commitment to growth and innovation. Brown’s contributions extend beyond her school, influencing education policy and practice at the state level.
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