The Amy Renfrow Leadership Principal of the Year Award is named after former Corinth-Holders Elementary principal Amy Renfrow. The awards are given through the Johnston County Principal and Assistant Principal Association (JCPAPA) to recognize outstanding principalship.
Both Barnes and Hocutt received $500 for themselves, and Barnes received an additional $500 for West Clayton Elementary from the Johnston County Education Foundation.
Going into her seventh year as principal of West Clayton Elementary, Barnes is described as an incredible leader with an amazing energy and calmness about her. Her peers also stated that she is a bright light at West Clayton Elementary, is empathetic and compassionate, and she really cares about those she comes into contact with.
“I strive to lead not only with integrity, but to also make sure my staff and stakeholders feel loved and cared for,” Barnes said. “For them to feel that way about me means I’m doing my job.”
This year’s theme at West Clayton Elementary is “Level Up”, and being named Principal of the Year, lets Barnes know that the efforts she, the students and staff have made to continue to move forward are effective.
Hocutt is going into his first year as assistant principal of Four Oaks Middle. Previously he was the assistant principal at Cleveland High School. Hocutt’s career with JCPS began when he was a custodian at Corinth Holders High. In July of this year, he earned his doctorate in education from Western Carolina University. His motto is “If you can see me, you can be me”.
With an astounding number of nominations, Hocutt is described as an outstanding relationship builder with both students and staff. He establishes a caring environment, is approachable, and yet still has clear and strong boundaries for expectations.
“It’s really fulfilling that my peers feel that way about me, and that I’m making an impact in the lives of so many students and staff in Johnston County Public Schools,” he said.