-information courtesy of Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools announced Thursday that Nealie Whitt III has been named the new principal of Vance County High School.
Whitt takes the reins from Rey Horner, who was selected to fill the role of executive director of student services for the school district. He becomes the school’s second principal and is scheduled to begin his new job on Nov. 28.
“As I enter into this new journey, I am excited to be a part of Vance County High School,” Whitt said. “As principal, it is my duty to continue to build a supportive and collaborative school community while maintaining the spirit of our district of Vance County. As a school community, we will build on the traditions of the past and meet the challenges of the future in innovative and exciting ways.”
Whitt has 12 years of teaching experience. He began as a physical education teacher and was a finalist for the Wells Fargo Principal of the Year in 2022 for the state of North Carolina, as well as a Top 10 North Carolina Principal of the Year finalist in 2021. He has served in leadership roles in public and charter schools.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health, with an emphasis in secondary education from N.C. Central University. He holds a master’s degree and currently is enrolled in a doctoral program of education in educational administration.
Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett welcomed Whitt to Vance County. “Vance County Schools is excited to welcome our new Viper principal,” Bennett said, adding that he brings leadership experience and knowledge of the county to his new role.
“He expresses a great desire to build strong students and support staff in a manner that will ensure our graduates are prepared. I am grateful for the work of Mr. Horner and look forward to the next chapter,” Bennett said.