On Feb. 27, UCPS leadership surprised five amazing assistant principals by naming them finalists for the 2025-2026 Assistant Principal of the Year award. This special recognition celebrates their hard work supporting students, teachers, and school leadership. Although their efforts often happen behind the scenes, their impact is felt everywhere—in classrooms, hallways, and with each student. One of these finalists will be chosen as Assistant Principal of the Year at an awards ceremony on May 8, where their dedication to education will be honored.

Jessica Santana - Rea View Elementary

For Santana, the news of being a finalist was unexpected. “I feel completely honored. Shocked. I feel like I just do my job every day and come to help the kids,” she said with humility. “I’m just glad that I’m making a difference. I love helping all the teachers support our students. My goal is to make sure every child gets the education they deserve and to help our teachers make that happen.” Santana’s approach to leadership is rooted in service, ensuring that her teachers and students thrive every day.

Santana has been an educator since 2006, serving in Union County Public Schools for 14 years in general and special education classrooms before becoming a literacy teacher specialist. Originally from New York, she holds degrees in regular and special education, early childhood education, and educational leadership. Now, in her first year as assistant principal at Rea View Elementary, she remains dedicated to nurturing student success.

Alanna Smith - Weddington High

Smith sees this recognition as humbling and reaffirming. “This is absolutely amazing. It’s awesome to be acknowledged for the things you do every day,” she said. But for Smith, it’s not about personal accolades—it’s about the people she supports. “The bigger picture is that our role as APs is to assist others in growing and learning. My favorite part is helping people see the best in themselves. Sometimes employees just need someone to acknowledge the little things they’re doing right, and that’s a win for me.” Her leadership philosophy centers on uplifting those around her, ensuring that every teacher and student feels valued.

A Union County native and Forest Hills High School graduate, Smith has worked in Union County Public Schools for 12 years. She began her career as a health and physical education teacher at Forest Hills High before earning her master’s in educational leadership from Queens University of Charlotte. Before transitioning into administration, she held key leadership roles, including testing coordinator and instructional support leader. Since 2021, she has served Weddington High, overseeing social studies, world languages, counseling and student government.

Jennifer Fore - Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts

For Fore, this recognition is deeply personal. Having been with the county since 2012, she feels a deep connection to the community. “It’s a great honor. I really appreciate the opportunity to share my journey,” she said. More than anything, her love for students fuels her work. “Oh my gosh, the kids. Always the kids, right? We do everything for them. Making sure every decision we make is intentional and purposeful so that it helps our children be successful, not just in school but beyond.” Fore’s perspective highlights the long-term impact that educators have on shaping the future of their students.

Fore grew up in Matthews, NC, and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She spent 11 years teaching in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before transitioning into curriculum coordination and instructional coaching. With a master’s in school administration from Western Carolina University, she is committed to supporting teachers through data-driven instruction and student-centered practices.

Christina McDowell - Porter Ridge Middle

Christina McDowell never planned on becoming an assistant principal, but now she cannot imagine doing anything else. “It’s something unexpected, but I am very honored to be considered for this,” she admitted. Her passion lies in instructional leadership. “My favorite part is working with teachers and supporting student learning at a higher level,” she explained. Originally, administration was not in her career plans, but she naturally stepped into leadership roles. “When I was in the classroom, I always took on leadership roles. My assistant principal saw that in me and encouraged me to take the next step.” McDowell believes strong leadership empowers both students and educators to grow and succeed.

McDowell’s path to education began in the military, where she served from 2001–2013 while earning a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. She later obtained a master’s in education and taught a range of subjects, including health science, chemistry and math in schools across the country. Her teaching experience in Union County led her to pursue a leadership role, first serving as an assistant principal at East Union Middle and now at Porter Ridge Middle.

Sophie Flynn - Unionville Elementary

For Sophie Flynn, this recognition is especially meaningful as a newer assistant principal. “It feels like such an honor, especially being recognized this early in my journey,” she said. Her favorite part of the job? “Being with the kids and getting into classrooms to see all the wonderful learning taking place. It’s rewarding to see teachers applying strategies from our professional development and collaborative meetings and watching it translate into student success.” Flynn believes education creates opportunities by focusing on student success, lifelong learning and supporting teacher growth.

Flynn began her career in Union County as a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Sun Valley Elementary before becoming an Instructional Support Specialist. Passionate about literacy and teacher mentorship, she pursued a Master’s in School Administration through High Point University’s Leadership Academy program. She served as a Principal Intern at Benton Heights Elementary before becoming Assistant Principal at Unionville Elementary in December 2023. Flynn’s belief in education as a tool for opportunity drives her commitment to lifelong learning and student success.

Each of these leaders embodies dedication, passion and an unrelenting commitment to their schools.

02/28/2025