GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Collins Hill High School Principal Kerensa Wing has been named the National Association of Secondary School Principals 2020 National Principal of the Year.
As principal of Collins Hill High School in Gwinnett County, student performance on state assessments rose between three and 13 percent in proficient and distinguished levels on all tests, according to a press release from the National Association of Secondary Principals..
As a proponent of equity for all students, Wing doubled the number of Hispanic and African-American teachers to better reflect the student population and hosted cultural competency training with her staff.
The announcement took place at a surprise ceremony at her school Monday afternoon as part of the 2019 celebration of National Principals Month.
Hundreds of Collins Hill High School staff and students joined in this surprise celebration alongside various leaders in state and local government.
At the ceremony, Wing’s students and colleagues recounted her accomplishments and the impact she has had in her school community.
To engage with students, Wing has dressed up in the school’s mascot uniform at pep rallies and sang along with students in their school’s version of “Carpool Karaoke,”
“I’m very honored,” Wing said.
“I’m looking forward to the national and state-level advocacy efforts that I will get to participate in to ensure that public education gets the funding that our kids deserve.”
Gwinnett County Superintendent and CEO J. Alvin Wilbanks said that it’s Wing’s leadership that makes her deserving of this national honor.
“When you talk about servant leadership, Kerensa Wing immediately comes to mind. No matter the job, Mrs. Wing is up to the task,” he said.
“For her, the role of principal is not just a job, it is a true calling,” Wilbanks added.
Wing told 11Alive that this is her 30th year in education and worked at Collins Hill High School when it opened in 1994 when she taught history and coached volleyball.
The fanfare surrounding this momentous day is secondary to her passion for her students. With tears welling in her eyes, Wing spoke of the importance of the students in her life.
“Every kid is important and every kid has a story. Every kid matters because they have families that send them to school to us each day and so we really try to help them reach their potential and help them chase their dreams,” she said.
Wing is the first principal in Gwinnett County to receive this national award.
Want more Gwinnett County news? Like us on Facebook.