Wilkes Central High School social studies teacher Breanna Wooten was recognized as the Wilkes County Schools’ 2024-25 teacher of the year Tuesday night.
Deborah “Dee” Surgeon’s selection as Wilkes schools’ principal of the year for 2024-25 was also announced. Surgeon is principal at North Wilkes High School in Hays.
Teacher of the year
Wilkes School Superintendent Mark Byrd said that if a person walked into Wooten’s classroom, the person “would be greeted with a big smile, shared laughs and would recognize a classroom culture where all students know and feel that they are valued.”
Byrd said Wooten is known for her enthusiasm, strong student relationships an ability to connect content to relevant topics.
She implemented the school-wide “Eagle Leader Profile” initiative as one of the head coaches of the school’s Student Success Team to aid students in tracking their academic and personal progress.
Byrd noted that Wilkes Central Principal Heather Freeman said Wooten is a leader in working collectively toward student goals and “lives out our school mission to connect, empower and prepare daily. I count it a blessing to serve alongside her.”
Wooten received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Salem College in 2018 and became an employee of the Wilkes schools in August 2019. She was a social studies teacher at R.J. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem from February to June 2019 and a social studies teacher at West Wilkes High School for year before coming to Wilkes Central
In addition to Wooten, this year’s finalists for teacher of the year were Hayley Trivette from Central Wilkes Middle School, Brittany Simmons from East Wilkes High School, Chelsea Davis from Mulberry Elementary School and Angelia Church from West Wilkes High School.
Principal of the year
Dee Surgeon has been principal at North High since 2021-22 and was among six nominees for principal of the year in 2023.
Byrd said Surgeon’s “laser-like focus and infectious positive attitude” helped North Wilkes High become a leading school in the region and statewide. He said that under her leadership, North Wilkes ranked in the top 2% of public high schools in the state with a positive school academic growth score of 8.9.
Byrd said Surgeon has been instrumental in students and staff at North Wilkes setting high standards. He said she has demonstrated commitment to the school’s vision, mission and school improvement plan. He said her pride in the North Wilkes High community is one of her most inspiring qualities.
Surgeon was North High’s assistant principal for three years before she became principal. She is a Wilkes native and North Wilkes graduate.
Surgeon has a Bachelor of Science Degree in exercise and a Sports Science Degree from the University of North Carolina t-Greensboro. She has a Master’s Degree in middle grades education from Appalachian State University, plus and an add on licensure in school leadership from Appalachian.
Surgeon became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2008 and renewed this in 2018. She began her administrative career as assistant principal at C.C. Wright Elementary for two years before becoming North High assistant principal.
Upon being named principal in June 2021, Surgeon stated, “Once a Viking always a Viking.” She also said, “As a college student I knew that I wanted to return to North Wilkes someday. I never could have imagined that I would have the opportunity to serve as principal.”
Also nominated for principal of the year were Dustin Webb from East Wilkes High School and Carol Cleary from Traphill Elementary.
Wooten and Surgeon were recognized at the annual Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year Awards Dinner at the Stone Center in North Wilkesboro. They now go on to regional competitions.
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