Last Updated on July 20, 2025 8:36 pm
A special and emotional presentation of the Servant’s Heart Award occurred at the July 14 BOE meeting. This is the highest honor awarded by the superintendent and the school board for individuals who have gone above and beyond with their service and in their heart.
On March 28, WHS student Chandler McGuire suffered cardiac arrest while on the football field with other JROTC students. Receiving the Servant’s Heart Award were staff members whose swift actions and emergency response helped save Chandler’s life.
Honored were Sgt. Maj. Derek Lisowski, 1st Sgt. Michael Maylum, SRO Seth Morrison, Health Science Cindy Lentz and Assistant Principal Daniel Machon. Cindy Lentz and SRO Seth Morrison were not present at the meeting but were honored for their heroic efforts.
Chandler and his family were present to express their gratitude which helped make this recognition a thousand times more special.
Photos: Bailey Little
It was an honor to recognize Mr. Dustin Kerley for his remarkable achievement in being named the Dave Harrison Athletic Director of the Year at the July BOE meeting.
Dr. Chris Blanton honored him with heartfelt words about his dedication to student athletes and families and expressed how well-deserved this award is. This award means he has been named as the BEST athletic director in the state of North Carolina!
He described Coach Kerley as living by the motto of “Best is the standard.” This is evident through Kerley coaching football not because it is a requirement but because he loves it. He also works first and second shift hours on an almost daily basis.
Kerley emphasized that this award is not given to those whose teams aren’t successful. He shared that the wins and successes that Watauga sports teams have is due to the consistent commitment to excellence that all coaches, athletes and families display. He also shared that they could not be successful without support from district and school level administration—which Watauga County has.
Congratulations on this prestigious honor, Coach Kerley! We are very blessed to have you as our middle and high school athletic director.
Photos: Bailey Little
