Congratulations to Mrs. Melanie Bennett, principal of Blue Ridge Elementary School for being awarded the 2026-27 Principal of the Year for Yancey County Schools. Mrs. Bennett will now move on to compete for regional and state Principal of the Year.
" It is truly an honor to be nominated by my teachers, teacher assistants, and colleagues as the Yancey County Principal of the Year. To know that the people I work alongside each day believe in me and chose to recognize my leadership is incredibly humbling.
I strive to lead with purpose, compassion, integrity, and a strong commitment to doing what is best for children. My core values guide the decisions I make each day. Whether I am supporting a student, encouraging a teacher, working with a family, or solving one of the many challenges that come with leading a school, I want my actions to reflect what I believe: every child matters, every child has potential, and every child deserves a village." -Mrs. Bennett