RALEIGH — Orange High School Principal Jason Johnson was named the Wells Fargo 2025 Principal of the Year at a ceremony at the Umstead Hotel in Cary last Friday.
“Jason Johnson’s breadth of leadership not only as a school leader, but also in the classroom, district office and even NCDPI, speaks volumes to his talent as an educator,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green said in a statement. “It is evident that Jason is dedicated to developing teacher leaders and fostering student success regardless of their postgraduate pursuits.”
Johnson has spent the last 27 years in education in North Carolina. In addition to working in Orange County Schools, he has served as a teacher in Chatham County and a principal in Guilford County Schools. Additionally, Johnson worked as a school transformation coach for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.
Last year’s N.C. Principal of the Year (NCPOY) was Beckie Spears, principal of Wilkesboro Elementary School in Wilkes County.
As the NCPOY, Johnson will serve as an ambassador for all principals and travel around the state during the 2025-26 school year, as well as serving in an advisory capacity to the State Board of Education.
The NCPOY recognition also comes with cash awards for personal/professional use and educational materials and supplies.
Additionally, Johnson will have use of a state vehicle for professional purposes and is given a custom ring and pendant from Jostens, Inc., along with other prize awards.
The 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year regional finalists were:
- Northeast: John Lassiter, Hertford Grammar School (Perquimans County Schools)
- Southeast: Christy Propst, Morehead City Elementary School at Camp Glenn (Carteret County Schools)
- North Central: Jason Johnson, Orange High School (Orange County Schools)
- Sandhills: Laura Bailey, Scotland High School (Scotland County Schools)
- Piedmont-Triad: Ronnie Hewitt, Liberty Drive Elementary School (Thomasville City Schools)
- Southwest: Kelly Withrow, Battleground Elementary School (Lincoln County Schools)
- Northwest: Jessica Anthony, Davenport A+ Elementary School (Caldwell County Schools)
- Western: Karley Wells, Clyde Elementary School (Haywood County Schools)
- Charter: Jake Wilson, Mountain Island Charter School (Mount Holly)
The event was livestreamed on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
The Principal of the Year Award first began in 1984 to highlight principals across the state who were instrumental in creating a stable and strong environment for student learning.
