News

EHHS's Rhodes named WNC principal of the year

EHHS principal Scott Rhodes was named regional principal of the year.

By Bill Moss, Published: December 19, 2014

East Henderson High School students leapt to their feet Friday morning when Henderson County schools superintendent David Jones reminded them that their principal, Scott Rhodes, had been named county principal of the year.

That was just the teaser.

An official with the state Department of Public Instruction told the student body that Rhodes had been named regional principal of the year for the 17 counties of Western North Carolina, provoking another eruption of cheers from the students.

Rhodes, who has been EHHS principal since fall of 2013, wiped away tears as school administrators, his wife and family members surrounded him on the stage at the school auditorium.

"This is about more than just me," he said. "This is about all of you.  This doesn't happen by accident. What we've been trying to do here these last 18 months is special. We're not going to be second to anybody."

Rhodes had been recognized by his peers as the top principal in the county because of leadership "that has been inspirational, compassionate and transformational," said John Bryant, assistant schools superintendent. "His peers wanted him to know that he is the best in Henderson County."

As the Region 8 principal of the year, Rhodes will compete with other regional winners for the North Carolina principal of the year award, said Amy Laughter, a Region 8 DPI official who came from the Henderson County school system and had worked at East Henderson.