By Sarah Foster
Wilson
Martins Creek – Excellent principals never stop challenging their school communities. Paul Wilson admits that he was a handful in elementary school, but he was treated with such fairness and guidance that it led him to become a great student, a great teacher, a great principal and the 2023 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year award.
Wilson was chosen by other Cherokee County principals for the honor. He goes on to compete at a regional level.
“Mr. Wilson is a leader who does what is best for students,” said Dr. Keevin Woody, superintendent of Cherokee County Schools. “He is professional in his interactions with all stakeholders to ensure school success. He works to make Martins Creek Elementary/Middle School an inviting place for students and staff.”
Wilson said Cherokee County employees are very well-trained, “people like Kim Gibson at our Central Office, and many others like her, have worked very hard to model and instill best practices in our school administrators.”
Wilson grew up in Brasstown and Martins Creek. Wilson credits his eighth-grade teacher, Frank Adams, for believing he had potential. Wilson earned an associate’s degree from Young Harris College, a bachelor’s from UNC-Asheville and a master’s from Western Carolina University.
He taught sixth-grade English Language Arts outside the district for one year, seventh-grade ELA at Andrews Middle School for two years and middle school ELA at Martins Creek School for 10 years. He served as principal at Ranger School for three years before returning to his home turf in Martins Creek.
His own history at Martins Creek has helped him develop a thorough knowledge of the school and community. “I hope that helps me give students the same patience and guidance that I was given,” he said.
Wilson credits the school’s success to teachers, the counselor, the exceptional children teacher, the bus driver and many more.
“For the past six years, MCS was blessed with an outstanding lead teacher, Jennifer Lugiewicz, who served as our assistant principal,” he said. “She brought an immense skill-set to the table, along with consummate professionalism, loyalty and dedication.”
Wilson appreciates that his students and staff persevere.
“At the end of the day, we respect each other, even though we don’t always agree,” he said. “I hope that MCS continues to thrive as a small, family-oriented school and continues to successfully navigate the many changes and challenges that keep coming,” he said. “I am very grateful that my career allowed me to work in my home community and county.”