Johnston Reporter

Corinth Holders High School's Principal, Melissa Hurst, has been honored as the 2024-2025 Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) Principal of the Year. With a career spanning 25 years in education and nine years in administration, Hurst has held various roles such as teacher, instructional coach, and senior administrator.

Hurst emphasizes empathy in her leadership approach. She remarked, “Throughout my career, I have learned that education is an intensely human business. We are in the business of people.” Her achievements include leading Princeton Elementary to significant academic improvements during the 2023-2024 school year.

Her leadership at Princeton Elementary resulted in raising the school's performance grade from a C to a B and ranking it among North Carolina's top 15% for academic growth. This success contributed to her transfer to Corinth Holders High School, where she aims to build on its existing strengths.

Hurst values personal connections within educational communities. She stated, “Stuff can wait, people can’t,” highlighting her commitment to prioritizing relationships with students and families. Her dedication extends beyond academics; she strives to create an environment where high expectations are set for all students.

A first-generation college graduate herself, Hurst credits her parents for instilling the importance of education. She holds degrees from North Carolina State University and UNC at Chapel Hill and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Reflecting on her recognition as Principal of the Year, Hurst expressed gratitude: “I hope that they see that I love, love, love what I do.”