News

Jones honored with Long Leaf Pine award

David Jones

By Molly McGowan Gorsuch, Published: June 29, 2016

Retiring Superintendent David L. Jones was honored for his 38 years of service to Henderson County public schools with the North Carolina governor’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine, and a Congressional Record citation read by U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows in the House of Representatives.

State Rep. Chris Whitmire nominated Jones for the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the highest honors granted by the governor of North Carolina. On Tuesday, during Jones’ retirement celebration, Cody Henson represented Whitmire and presented Jones with the award on behalf of Gov. Pat McCrory. Henson is the Republican nominee for the House seat that Whitmire, now flying fulltime for American Airlines, is vacating.

The award is bestowed upon individuals who have displayed exemplary service to their North Carolina communities and to the state as a whole. Whitmire nominated Jones for his dedication to public education and the preparation of youth for leadership.

Meadows also honored Jones’ service to HCPS as a teacher, coach, principal and central office administrator with the official statement he read March 23, 2016, in the House of Representatives during the second session of the 114th Congress, forever commemorating Jones and listing his accolades in the Congressional Record.

“Superintendent David Jones’ commitment to education and the public good has made him a well-respected member not only of Henderson County, but also of the broader Western North Carolina community,” Meadows said. “His commitment to education and community is indisputable.”

In addition to Whitmire, Henson, McCrory and Meadows, Jones thanked teachers, staff and administrators for working alongside him for 38 years and said he was able to accomplish great things for the school system because he was surrounded by great people. Jones’ last day with HCPS is Thursday.