Aug 19

Aug 19 Northwest leader Christy Eubanks named LCPS Principal of the Year

Christy Eubanks, whose leadership has put Northwest Elementary School in the spotlight for academic achievement, was named on Monday as the 2026-2027 Principal of the Year for Lenoir County Public Schools.

The principal at Northwest since July 2022, Eubanks joined LCPS as an elementary teacher in 1999 and spent 15 years in the classroom before advancing as a curriculum specialist and assistant principal. Along the way, she led the district’s Reader to Achieve summer program.

With her at the helm, Northwest has earned the titles of STEM School of Distinction – one of only 24 current honorees to achieve “model” status from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction – and Apple School of Excellence, a national recognition. Since 2022, student proficiency has increased, as judged by the state’s accountability testing program, and Northwest has paced the district in students’ academic growth.

“I’m just shocked. I’m honored. Our county is just such an incredible place to work and we have so many people who deserve to be honored,” Eubanks said after the announcement of her award, a surprise that wrapped up a previously scheduled meeting of Northwest staff with Superintendent Brent Williams and other district leaders.

Williams recalled Eubanks’ self-assessment after she had completed the interview required of Principal of the Year nominees last week. “She thought she had done poorly,” the superintendent told the staff. “That’s because she always wants to do better. You see she did great. She won.”

Eubanks was chosen in a process that began with nominations from schools. Looking at work history and accomplishments, the selection committee narrowed the field to three finalists. They were, in addition to Eubanks, South Lenoir High School principal Jeremy Barnett and EB Frink Middle School principal Dr. Michael Moon.

As LCPS Principal of the Year, Eubanks will represent the district in competition for Southeast Region Principal of the Year, the winner of which becomes a finalist for the title of Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year.

Eubanks holds an associate degree from Lenoir Community College, a bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University and a master’s degree in school administration from Gardner-Webb University.

Monday’s announcement was met with long and loud cheering from the staff. Eubanks is as appreciative of them, she said. “We have the best staff and students. They make me look good because they work so hard and they are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.”