About Mrs. Smith

Mrs. Smith is excited to be joining Weddington High School! Mrs. Smith resides in Wingate, NC with her husband, Cory, and her two sons, Bryson and Weston. 

Mrs. Smith is a native of Union County and a graduate of Forest Hills High School. She has worked in UCPS for 8 years. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in K-12 Health & Physical Education from Wingate University in May of 2013 and began her educational career as a teacher at Forest Hills High School. After teaching for five years, she was ready for a change and eager to earn her administrative license. She then went on to earn her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Queens University of Charlotte in May of 2018. 

Before moving into administration, Mrs. Smith served in the testing coordinator role, led an instructional support team, and served in various other administrative roles. She also coached Women’s Tennis and Softball during her time as a teacher. 

In the summer of 2021, she was named as an Assistant Principal of Weddington High School. She was named 2025 UCPS Assistant Principal of the Year and began her role as principal of Central Academy of Technology & Arts in July 2025. 

Mrs. Smith is honored to be serving in this role and excited to work with the students, staff, and parents of CATA! Go Cougars!

Contact Mrs. Smith

• Email: alanna.smith@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mr. Malone

Dareion Malone became an educator in 2013 after leaving a career in corporate America. Mr. Malone has served as a chorus director at Hopewell High School in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, UNC Charlotte, and Marvin Ridge High School in Waxhaw. He was recognized as Teacher of the Year for Union County Public Schools for 2020-2021, and was an assistant principal at Sun Valley since 2021. Mr. Malone was named assistant principal of Central Academy of Technology & Arts in July 2025. 

Dareion, born in Byhalia, MS, has been singing and playing piano since early childhood. He received the Bachelor of Music Education and Master of School Administration from UNC Charlotte.  He also holds the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. 

Contact Mr. Malone

• Phone: 704-296-3020
• Email: dareion.malone@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mr. Stewart

Tom Stewart is originally from Albany, New York and moved to the area in 2007 when he began working Benton Heights.  He then moved over to Monroe Middle school in 2012 where he continued his teaching career as a math teacher.  In 2014 Mr. Stewart began his Assistant Principal career at Monroe Middle school where is was responsible at different times for both 6th grade and eighth-grade students.  In January of 2019, Mr. Stewart made the move to Central Academy of Technology & Arts where he currently is over ninth and 10th-grade students.  

When Mr. Stewart is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, his chocolate lab Murphy, and traveling around.

Contact Mr. Stewart

• Phone: 704-296-3088, ext. 7141
• Email: thomas.stewart@ucps.k12.nc.us

• Dr. Bashawn Harris
• 704-296-0824, ext. 4031

• Principal: Kevin Beals
• Representative: Aaron Hammers