Johnston County names Melissa Hurst principal of the year and Shannon Pavlok assistant principal of the year

Johnston County Public Schools presented its 2024–25 principal and assistant principal of the year awards at the district’s fall recognition ceremony.

Superintendent‑level presenters introduced Melissa Hurst as the district’s principal of the year. The program noted Hurst’s 25‑year education career and administrative experience, including six years at Princeton Elementary. The district credited Hurst’s leadership with improving Princeton Elementary’s school performance grade from a C (58) to a B (71) during the 2023–24 school year and ranking the school in the top 15 percent in North Carolina for academic growth. The program also noted that Princeton Elementary’s performance composite increased from 53.1% to 64.6% while Hurst served as principal.

Hurst, who the event said is a first‑generation college graduate and a district product, told the audience she felt “a heart full of gratitude” and described being “proud” to serve in the district.

The district named Shannon Pavlok as assistant principal of the year and cited her 27‑year education career, including 20 years as a teacher and three years as Riverwood Elementary’s assistant principal. The program referenced North Carolina Department of Instruction data showing Riverwood Elementary exceeded growth and ranked in the top 10 percent in the state for academic growth for 2023–24. Pavlok said her “guiding light is service” and emphasized supporting teachers and families.

Both honorees received commemorative rings through a partnership with Herff Jones; district staff presented awards onstage and thanked school and district colleagues for their support.