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Derek Edwards Named 2021 Principal of the Year
Talk about a surprise announcement! Asheville High School’s Derek Edwards was preparing for the August 6th Back to School Administrative Retreat when he was greeted by an entourage of guests, including Superintendent Dr. Gene Freeman, the district’s Leadership Team, his ACS middle and high school principal peers as well as his wife, Amanda, and son, Wade - a rising Asheville High 9th Grader. As for why the unannounced visit? Edwards has been selected as the district’s 2021 Principal of the Year! The 2020-2021 school year is Edwards’ fifth as a principal and first full year as Asheville High School’s principal. Prior to his current role, Edwards was the principal of Claxton Elementary School. He began his tenure in Asheville City Schools as a teacher at the William Randolph School in 2004 and has also served as an assistant principal of both Vance Elementary School and Claxton Elementary School. A proud member of the Cougar Family for 16 years, he is most certainly deserving of the title of Asheville City Schools’ Principal of the Year!
Click here to see more photos or here to watch a video from the surprise announcement.