The state of North Carolina has highlighted the achievements of school leaders with the announcement of nine finalists for the 2025 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year. These finalists, selected for their exceptional contributions to education, hail from various state regions and represent the diligent efforts undertaken to foster environments ripe for academic and personal growth. According to an announcement by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the award ceremony will take place on May 16 at The Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary.
State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green lauded the finalists, recognizing their critical role in nurturing a culture of learning. "Principals are critical in building a culture of learning and growth for their students and staff," Green said. “Each of these finalists has demonstrated their ability to uplift the students, teachers and community around them, and challenge them to reach their full potential. This is an outstanding group of regional finalists who elevate the education profession through their example and leadership in their schools daily..” The selected principal will not only hold the title but also advise the State Board of Education for two years and sit on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Public School Forum.
Wells Fargo, a longtime supporter of the program, continues to back the initiative aimed at celebrating the vital work of school principals. Juan Austin, Community Impact and Sustainability Senior Manager for Wells Fargo, emphasized the bank's commitment. "Wells Fargo is proud to continue our support for the North Carolina Principal of the Year program and to celebrate these nine outstanding administrators who have been named finalists," Austin said, "They serve as leaders in their local communities around the state." This acknowledgement by Wells Fargo underscores the importance of the principal's role in solidifying a foundation for educational excellence within North Carolina schools since the program's inception in 1984.
With the selection of the 2025 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year impending, the chosen finalist will take on the mantle of ambassador for roughly 2,500 of their peers across the state.
