When Jason Johnson walked into the auditorium at Orange High School on Wednesday morning, he was surprised by his family, colleagues, students and several special guests. Shortly after, he learned why: they were there to celebrate Johnson’s win of Regional Principal of the Year in central North Carolina.

Johnson – named the 2024 Orange County Schools Principal of the Year in October – was announced as the winner by the 2024 North Carolina Principal of the Year Beckie Spears and William Logan, the 2023 Central Region Principal of the Year at the surprise assembly. The selection means he will be one of nine regional winners up for consideration for the Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year.

“You lead this school with a great big heart that’s as big as your vision for children and for their future,” Spears said during her remarks on Wednesday, speaking on behalf of the selection committee. “You have created a sense of unity and collaboration and belonging that you don’t find everywhere. And we know that it is your belief in your students, teachers, families, and your community that helps them show up every day, that helps them excel and keep pushing when things get hard.”

Jason Johnson (center) stands with 2024 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year Beckie Spears to his left and 2023 regional principal winner William Logan to his right during Wednesday’s announcement ceremony. (Photo via Orange County Schools.)

“I want to thank Mr. Johnson for his commitment to his students, families, and staff and for his dedication to Orange County Schools,” said Superintendent Danielle Jones. “Mr. Johnson believes in building strong relationships, creating an inclusive learning environment, and supporting his teachers and staff. This is such a well-deserved recognition. I look forward to the continued success of Orange High School under his leadership.”

The statewide Principal of the Year award is a significant honor among North Carolina educators, as the yearly winner goes on to serve as an ambassador for the role and public schools – like Spears has done for the last year. The title earns the winner the opportunity to speak at various events, compete for the national Principal of the Year award, and receive benefits like a cash prize and state-owned vehicle for travel.

Johnson is in his second stint as the principal of Orange High, having served in the role from 2012-2016 before becoming the district’s Directory of Secondary Education. He ultimately returned as principal in 2021 and has surpassed 20 years working within Orange County Schools.

“This is not me – this is all of you,” Johnson said Wednesday, crediting his colleagues and students. “This is the Panther Family. This has nothing to do with me. This school was here before me, and it will be here after me.”

Principal Jason Johnson stands outside Orange High School on Wednesday, Jan. 15. (Photo via Orange County Schools.)

The 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year will be named in May, with the program still announcing who its 2025 regional winners are alongside Johnson.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Former Orange High School Star Bryse Wilson Shines as Atlanta Braves Defeat Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of NLCS
Making his first ever playoff start on Thursday night, former Orange High School star Bryse Wilson was outstanding as he helped guide the Atlanta Braves to a 10-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series in Arlington, Texas. Wilson–a rookie who pitched just 15.2 innings during the […]
Former Orange High Standout Bryse Wilson to Begin MLB Season in Atlanta Braves' Starting Rotation
When the Atlanta Braves begin their regular season this Sunday, former Orange High School star pitcher Bryse Wilson–a fourth round draft pick by the team back in 2016–will be a member of their starting rotation. ESPN’s Keith Law has Wilson ranked as the No. 51 overall prospect in the entire MLB. In five appearances for […]
Former Orange High Standout Bryse Wilson Named No. 60 Overall MLB Prospect by Baseball Prospectus
Baseball Prospectus released its annual list of the top 100 prospects in Major League Baseball on Wednesday, with former Orange High standout–and current member of the Atlanta Braves organization–Bryse Wilson earning a spot at No. 60 on the list. Wilson was a fourth round draft choice by the Braves coming out of high school back […]
Former Orange High Star Bryse Wilson Promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers
Former Orange High School standout Bryse Wilson took the next step of his journey toward the major leagues on Wednesday, when it was announced that he has been promoted from the Double-A Mississippi Braves to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers. Wilson–a 6-foot-1-inch right-hander who was selected out of high school by the Atlanta Braves in the […]
Orange High School Hires Jason Knapp as New Head Baseball Coach
Orange High School announced earlier this week that it has hired Jason Knapp as its new head baseball coach following the retirement of legendary coach Dean Dease–who had been with the program since 1985 and served as head coach for 31 seasons. Knapp arrives in Hillsborough after a successful 11-year stint as the head coach […]
Wilson, Trio of Tar Heels Selected on MLB Draft's Second Day
After years of tireless work and practice, lifelong dreams became reality for four local baseball stars Friday during the second day of the MLB Draft. The first to hear his name called was UNC junior right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen–the Tar Heels unquestioned ace since becoming the Friday starter at the beginning of 2015. He’ll be […]
Local Orange High Product Gets Call from Atlanta Braves
I’ve been working hard trying to get here, and now I’ve got the opportunity, and hopefully now I can just make the most of it,” Riley says.
Speaking of Schools: North Carolina Principal of the Year and Orange High Principal Jason Johnson
Orange High School Principal Jason Johnson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, June 16.  He discussed the recently concluded school year, sharing highlights and surprises. He also talked about recently being named North Carolina's Principal of the Year, and what that means to him. He talked about the responsibilities the role includes, and how he expects it to impact the coming school year. He also talked about leading a school through leadership changes, and more.
Here’s What You Need to Know Before CHCCS, Orange County High Schools’ 2025 Graduations
The local school districts are preparing to hold their graduations this weekend and have shared instructions for participants and visitors.
Orange County Schools' Jason Johnson Named Regional Principal of the Year, State Finalist
Jason Johnson, the principal for Orange High School, was named the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Central Regional Principal of the Year.
›