On March 12, Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan, Union County Board of Education members and other district leaders made surprise visits to schools across the district to recognize the 2025-2026 Principal of the Year finalists. The day was filled with excitement as unsuspecting principals received congratulations and celebrated.
These finalists were selected from a talented group of school leaders district-wide who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, innovation and dedication to their communities.
Successful school leaders understand the importance of building community, collaboration and empowering others to achieve their goals. The five finalists encompass these characteristics and are being honored for their focus on student achievement and commitment to creating a positive school culture.
One of these finalists will be named Principal of the Year at an awards ceremony on May 8.
"Recognizing our Principal of the Year finalists is always a special moment,” said Dr. Houlihan. “These leaders go above and beyond daily to create environments where students and staff can thrive. Their dedication to academic excellence and school culture is truly commendable, and I am proud to celebrate their hard work and impact."
Dr. Mike Henderson, principal of Wesley Chapel Elementary and one of the finalists, expressed his gratitude for the honor: “It’s a privilege to be chosen as one of the finalists for Principal of the Year. It means so much to our school community. We have a fantastic staff, students, and families that support our school immensely. We prioritize what’s most important, and as a school principal, my focus is on keeping students safe and hiring effectively.”
The finalists’ commitment to student achievement and creating a positive school culture is evident through their collaborative approach and passion for community engagement.
As Dr. Brian Patience of Sun Valley Middle shared, “It’s a collaborative effort of all the staff and students in the building and our families as well. It’s exciting to have our school recognized. It takes a lot of teamwork, a lot of collaboration to support our students and an unending desire to have our students succeed and grow, which is our focus.”
The excitement was tangible as each principal shared their thoughts.
“I’m surprised and humbled by it,” said Shanda Lauri of Poplin Elementary. “I enjoy being a part of Union County Public Schools and being a part of the leadership team. I’m just excited about this honor.”
Jared Gatewood, who leads East Union Middle, reflected, “I feel shocked. This means a lot to not only me but to our school and our community for the work that we’ve done. Without the teachers in the classroom, without the students being engaged in doing the work, and without community support, none of this would be possible. It’s not even about me, it’s about our school and our community, and we deserve it.”
Laura Gaddy, principal at Stallings Elementary, added, “I’m feeling very grateful. This means a lot to me. I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I never want to lose the love for the job and the love for the kids especially our families. It’s not a one-person job. This represents our whole school community.”
Get to know the Principal of the Year finalists a bit more.
Dr. Brian Patience
Dr. Brian Patience is the principal of Sun Valley Middle, beginning his first year in the role. Before this, he served as the principal of Porter Ridge Middle School since 2015, following several years as an assistant principal at Porter Ridge. His administrative career includes positions as an assistant principal at Monroe and Weddington High Schools. Dr. Patience began his career as a math teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before being selected as a North Carolina Principal Fellow and transitioning into school administration. He received the UCPS Assistant Principal of the Year award in 2014-2015. Dr. Patience is committed to ensuring student safety and promoting academic, social, and behavioral growth. He enjoys traveling, reading, and watching hockey, baseball and football.
Dr. Mike Henderson
Dr. Henderson is the principal of Wesley Chapel Elementary, bringing 29 years of experience as an educator. He earned his undergraduate degree in elementary education from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania, and master’s degrees in school administration and elementary education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He later completed his educational specialist and doctoral degrees at Wingate University. Dr. Henderson has a diverse background in education, including teaching and serving as headmaster at a mission school in Malawi, Africa, and training adults with intellectual disabilities. He has taught at the elementary and middle school levels in Charlotte and served as an assistant principal at Porter Ridge Elementary. Before joining Wesley Chapel, he was the principal at Shiloh Elementary for five years and Wingate Elementary for six years. Dr. Henderson enjoys mountain biking, backpacking, gardening and reading.
Shanda Lauri
Shanda Lauri is the principal of Poplin Elementary, bringing over 21 years of experience in education. She began her career as a classroom teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before joining Union County Public Schools in 2008. She holds a bachelor’s in elementary education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a master’s in curriculum and instruction with a reading emphasis from Grand Canyon University and an administrative license from Wingate University. Lauri spent 14 years at Wingate Elementary as an assistant principal, classroom teacher, curriculum coach and instructional content facilitator. She is passionate about nurturing student growth and leadership and is committed to building strong relationships within the school community. Lauri enjoys traveling, movie nights and outdoor activities.
Jared Gatewood
Jared Gatewood is the principal of East Union Middle, having been appointed in July 2023. A native of Hamlet, North Carolina, he graduated from Richmond Senior High School in 2008 and earned a bachelor’s in political science with a minor in history from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He began his career as a social studies teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before joining Union County Public Schools in 2018, where he was instrumental in introducing the district’s first African American Studies course. Gatewood earned his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Wingate University in 2019 and gained administrative experience as an interim assistant principal before officially stepping into the role at Forest Hills in 2020. He is committed to empowering students to reach their highest potential and believes in building a supportive and inspiring learning environment. Gatewood enjoys spending time with family and following his motto, "Love them first, and teach them second.”
Laura Gaddy
Laura Gaddy is the principal of Stallings Elementary, where she has served since 2012. She earned her undergraduate degree in physical education, exercise and sports science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master’s degree in middle grades education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her administrative certification from Wingate University. Gaddy began her teaching career in North Carolina, working with sixth and eighth graders before transitioning into school administration. She previously served as an assistant principal at Shiloh Elementary before joining Stallings Elementary as an assistant principal in 2008. She is passionate about creating a supportive learning environment and is dedicated to student success. Gaddy enjoys reading, exercising and cheering on her favorite sports teams, including the UNC Tar Heels, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, Atlanta Braves and Carolina Panthers.
03/13/2025
