RALEIGH, NC – The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) proudly announces this year’s winners for Superintendent of the Year, Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, and Central Office Administrator of the Year.
Tricia McManus, Superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, has been named Superintendent of the Year. With more than 35 years in education, McManus exemplifies instructional leadership, creativity, and innovation. She implemented the North Carolina Portrait of a Graduate framework in WS/FCS and launched the “See for Yourself” initiative—an open-door series in district high schools offering the community a firsthand look at the work happening inside schools.
Dr. C’monee’ Wilkins, Principal of Clarke Elementary School, is the Principal of the Year. Under her leadership, Clarke Elementary has experienced notable improvements, including a rise in the school’s overall performance grade and a tripling of math proficiency in grades 3–5. Dr. Wilkins credits these gains to the school’s structured coaching model, implemented through its Opportunity Culture framework.
Dr. Nan Lujan, Assistant Principal at Lakeview Elementary, has been named Assistant Principal of the Year. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Lujan leads initiatives such as the “Glow and Grow” program, designed to promote professional reflection and growth among staff. Her work is grounded in the six pillars of the community schools framework, which emphasizes strong collaboration between public schools and the communities they serve.
Amanda Thompson, Secondary Curriculum Math Specialist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, has been named Central Office Administrator of the Year. Thompson demonstrates outstanding instructional leadership and innovation in her support of educators and students. She developed a series of professional development sessions to strengthen math instruction for secondary teachers. Her commitment to equity is reflected in her active role on the district’s Equity Committee, where she champions fairness and inclusiveness in education.
These awards are presented annually by the NCAE Division of Principals and Administrators. Nominees are evaluated on professional practice, advocacy for the profession, community engagement, and leadership. Any NCAE member serving as a central office administrator is eligible for nomination.
