Person County Schools Announces Sam Wilkins as New Principal of Person High School
Person County Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Sam Wilkins as the next principal of Person High School.
Wilkins joins Person County Schools after serving as Assistant Principal at Cedar Ridge High School in Orange County Schools since 2022. During his tenure, Cedar Ridge High School consistently exceeded academic growth expectations, ranking among the top-performing high schools in North Carolina according to the state's School Growth Index. In his role, he provided instructional leadership across multiple academic departments, supported school improvement efforts, coordinated state and national testing programs, and helped lead school safety and risk management planning.
Prior to entering school leadership, Wilkins served as a social studies teacher at Chapel Hill High School, where he taught Civics and Economics, American History, World History, and Human Geography. He was recognized as a Distinguished Teacher and mentored new educators while supporting student involvement beyond the classroom.
A native of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Wilkins earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He later completed his Master of School Administration add-on licensure through the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He comes from a family with a strong tradition in education and school leadership and is passionate about public education, supporting teachers, and creating opportunities for all students to succeed.
“We are excited to welcome Sam Wilkins to Person County Schools and Person High School,” said Dr. Rodney Peterson, PCS Superintendent. “His strong instructional background, commitment to student success, and proven leadership experience make him an excellent fit for our district. Throughout the selection process, he demonstrated a clear passion for public education, building meaningful relationships, and supporting both students and staff. We are confident he will continue the strong tradition of excellence at Person High School and help lead the school into its next chapter of success.”
“I am both honored and excited to begin serving as the principal of Person High School and to join the Rocket family,” said Wilkins. “I look forward to meeting the students, staff, families, and community members and working together to build upon the strong traditions and continued success of Person High School.”
Person County Schools extends its sincere appreciation to Interim Principal Patti Barnes for her leadership and service during this transition period. The district is grateful for her commitment to supporting students, staff, and families while helping ensure a smooth transition for the school community.
Wilkins will assume leadership of Person High School on July 13, 2026.
For more information about Person County Schools, visit www.person.k12.nc.us, or contact Erin Hill, Person County Schools Director of Marketing and Engagement.
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Media Contact:
Erin Hill, Director of Marketing and Engagement
304 South Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC 27573
Phone: 336-599-2191 ext. 22110
About Person County Schools
Person County Schools serves more than 4,500 students across 14 schools in Person County, North Carolina. Guided by its mission to prepare students for success in a changing world, the district is committed to providing equitable educational opportunities that empower students to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and become engaged citizens. Through strong partnerships with families and the community, Person County Schools prepares graduates for success in college, careers, and life.