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.

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