Last Updated on April 4, 2025 1:21 pm
Watauga County Schools is excited to announce Ricky Ward as the 2025-26 principal of the year. The announcement was made in a surprise celebration in the gymnasium of Bethel School on April 1.
“It is a huge honor to be chosen by my peers for this recognition and I can't explain enough how much this means to me,” Ward said. “I am blessed to work with such an amazing group of administrators in Watauga County. I love being part of the Bethel community and working alongside such a caring and dedicated group of educators. We have wonderful students that make our school a great place to learn and work. It is exciting to continue to strive to meet our goals and to represent our community together.”
Ward was hired as the principal of Bethel School in July 2023. In July 2024, he was also named the Director of Watauga Virtual Academy.
In preparation for the surprise, many staff members gathered everyone in the gym, unbeknownst to Ward successfully. Soon, everyone was settled, and school counselor Mrs. McKenzie Gheesling and intern Ms. Whitley entertained everyone with their dancing while dressed in beaver costumes. Superintendent Dr. Leslie Alexander and several Central Office employees entered the gym during that time. Alexander went to the center of the gym floor and started talking to everyone.
She told them how much she enjoys visiting Bethel and was inquisitive, asking them whether they thought their school was great. Of course, the answer was a resounding “Yes!” The subject quickly changed to Ward, with her announcing that he had been selected as the Watauga County Schools Principal of the Year. Assistant Superintendent/Director of Human Resources Dr. Chris Blaton and Human Resources Assistant Christy Parker joined Ward and Alexander in the middle of the gym floor to present him with a gift, balloons and a plaque.
Following the cheers and applause, he was joined by his wife Kelly, mother Carolyn and son Jacan, who came to Bethel for the surprise announcement.
Students quickly began chanting for him to open his gift, and he was happy to honor their request. He showed off the Appalachian State University ballcap, a variety of his favorite snacks and an insulated lunchbox.
“We are so excited for Mr. Ward to be named Watauga County School's Principal of the Year,” Alexander said. “Mr. Ward is doing great work at Bethel, and his focus on relationships with students and staff is evident. We are fortunate to have him in Watauga County, and I am proud of him for this accomplishment.”
Mr. Ricky Ward with Superintendent Dr. Leslie Alexander and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Chris Blanton
