Four Oaks Principal Dr. Truitt Named Region's Principal of theYear! SMITHFIELD-- Four Oaks Elementary School Principal Dr. Cathy Truitt has been selected as the 2005 North Central Region Wachovia Principal of the Year. Representatives of Wachovia Bank Corporation and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction made the announcement during a luncheon ceremony in Cary today. In its 22nd year, the Wachovia Principal of the Year program recognizes outstanding principals from North Carolina public schools. Regional winners each receive $1,500 for their school and $1,500 for personal use. They also will compete for recognition as North Carolina's 2005 Wachovia Principal of the Year. That announcement will take place on April 7. "Dr. Truitt has been an outstanding educator in Johnston County for her entire career. We're extremely proud of her and certainly not surprised that others have recognized the talent she has shown for many years," said Dr. Anthony Parker, Superintendent. The Wachovia Principal of the Year program is co-sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Wachovia Corporation. In its 22nd year, the program provides a unique opportunity to recognize outstanding principals from North Carolina public schools. Eight regional winners will each receive $1,500 for their school and $1,500 for personal use. In recognizing the recipients, State Board of Education member Edgar Murphy said, "North Carolina is so fortunate to have so many strong principals leading our public schools. Because of them, our schools continue to make significant academic progress. We owe them our appreciation for serving the state in this way." Murphy added that North Carolina public schools owe a debt of gratitude to Wachovia for "helping the state recognize its outstanding principals and for valuing public education and its impact on our economy." "These two principals are clearly passionate, talented leaders," said Catherine Lough, vice president and community affairs manager for Wachovia. "Wachovia is pleased to honor them for creating learning environments in which our children can gain the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their dreams." The State Selection Committee, chaired by the 2004 Wachovia Principal of the Year John Black, will visit each of the eight schools and then use the results of the site visits along with personal interviews to determine the 2005 Wachovia Principal of the Year. The recipient will be announced on April 7 in Raleigh at a state luncheon sponsored by Wachovia Corporation to honor the regional winners. He or she will receive $3,000 for their school and $3,000 for personal use. They also will serve a one-year term as advisor to the State Board of Education.
