News

School system names Principal of the Year

North Henderson principal John Shepard poses with his wife and children after receiving the award as Principal of the Year.

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 10, 2024

John Shepard, principal of North Henderson High School, has done it again.

Shepard this week became a two-time winner as 2024-2025 Principal of the Year for Henderson County Public Schools, after winning the honor in 2019.

During a Hurricane Helene Recovery meeting with his peers, Shepard was surprised with the announcement, recognizing his exceptional leadership and commitment to fostering both academic and personal growth among students and staff. Under his leadership, North Henderson High School achieved the highest academic growth index in the district for the 2023-2024 school year, with an impressive "exceeds expectation" score of 9.57.

In addition to academic achievement, North Henderson High has been recertified as a Lighthouse School through the LEAD High School program, a designation reflecting the school’s commitment to fostering student leadership and personal development. Shepard has championed the Leader in Me model since its implementation, helping students develop critical life skills through strategic leadership lessons integrated into their curriculum.

"Dr. Shepard’s continued focus on both academic growth and personal leadership makes North Henderson High School a model across the state," schools Superintendent Mark R. Garrett said. "Recently, I witnessed Dr. Shepard step up to assist his community at the supplies distribution center after Hurricane Helene. He and his team are working tirelessly to connect his students and their families with what they need as they recover from the storm’s devastating impacts. When his school or community needs him, he is always there. He truly personifies his school’s motto, ‘Love Purple! Live Gold!’ We are fortunate to have Dr. Shepard leading in our district and proud to have him represent Henderson County Public Schools.”

Shepard joined Henderson County Public Schools in 2013 as an assistant principal at North Henderson High after teaching social studies and serving as an administrator in Buncombe County. In 2014, he was appointed principal at North Henderson and has been dedicated for more than a decade to fostering a culture of growth, leadership and community at the school.

Each school year, the Principal of the Year is nominated by and voted on by his or her peers — the other 22 principals in the Henderson County Public Schools system, giving special significance to the designation.

"I am once again truly overwhelmed by this honor. It brings me great joy to serve the students, staff, and community of North Henderson High School," he said. "Henderson County is blessed with exceptional district leadership, remarkable school administrators, and outstanding teachers. Working with these committed educators is a distinguished opportunity."

Shepard holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Western Carolina University, a Master’s degree in School Administration and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University.