Congratulations to our very own Dr. Elena Ashburn on being named 2021 Regional Principal of the Year for the North Central Region of North Carolina by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

   On Monday, December 14, Dr. Ashburn was surprised with a small, socially-distanced celebration organized by Board of Education member, Christine Kushner, along with a small team of well-wishers from Central Services accompanied by Superintendent Moore.

   Dr. Ashburn has been working hard at her career of education in Wake County since 2011. Since 2017, she has been Broughton’s principal and has been awarded with many prestigious awards during her time as our principal, but this award is definitely one of the biggest she has ever received.  

   When asked how it feels to be awarded Regional Principal of the Year, Ashburn shared her thoughts.  

   “I’m grateful, humbled, and pretty shocked! I was surprised when I won the WCPSS district principal of the year award and receiving the regional recognition for the state is really special. I’m grateful for such an incredible community of people including students, staff, and parents who are simply the best in any school, anywhere” said Ashburn. The Broughton community is very proud of Dr. Ashburn and honored to have her as our fearless leader. 

   Dr. Ashburn spoke a little bit on what we can expect from the selection process and the next steps moving forward. 

   She stated, “Principals are eligible for regional principal of the year once they have won their school system’s principal of the year process. There are eight regions in the state. I’m now one of eight finalists for the North Carolina State Principal of the Year. I’ve submitted a portfolio of my work and then I’ll interview with a team in March, 2021. Principals have to have won their school system principal of the year process. There will be a banquet either in person or virtual in May of 2021 where the winner will be announced.”

   On behalf of all of the students and staff at Broughton, we would like to congratulate Dr. Ashburn on this incredible achievement.