Kingsport City Schools Hampton and Johnston Finalists for 2021 State of Tennessee Principal and Supervisor of the Year

KINGSPORT, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has announced the nine finalists for the State of Tennessee's Principal of the Year and the eight finalists for Supervisor of the Year distinction. Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal, Dr. Chris Hampton has advanced to the final round of the 2021 Tennessee Principal of the Year. Additionally, Kingsport City Schools Nursing Supervisor, Vicki Johnston has advanced to the final round of the 2021 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year. The finalists represent each Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) region in the state, with three finalists in each Grand Division: East, Middle, and West.

"I am so excited for Dr. Hampton and Mrs. Johnston to be able to advance to finalist status," said Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moorhouse. "They are both incredibly deserving of such a recognition. I cannot think of a recent time that a district has had both a principal of the year and a supervisor of the year advance to the final round in the same year. Kingsport is blessed to have incredible people leading our schools every day and this is a testament to this very fact. I look forward to learning the final results at this year's Lead Conference in November."

The Tennessee Principal of the Year award is awarded annually to a school leader for outstanding service in education and exceptional leadership that drives overall improvements in his or her school. To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of one year of experience as a principal and a minimum of three years of experience in public schools. In addition, all nominees must have a proven track record of exceptional gains in student learning.

"Advancing in this process is certainly an honor and completely reflective of the collective efforts that go into changing the lives of the students at Dobyns-Bennett High School and in our Kingsport community,'' said Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal, Dr. Chris Hampton. "I am so thankful for and give much of the credit to a work family that elevates the needs of our students above everything else and thus supporting the overall success of our school."

Each year, an outstanding public school supervisor is recognized as the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year. To qualify, candidates must demonstrate a record of implementing innovative programs and managing and motivating students and faculties. Additionally, the nominees must have a minimum of one year of experience as an administrator and a minimum of five years of experience in public schools.

"I am humbled and honored to be considered a State of Tennessee Supervisor of the Year finalist," said Kingsport City Schools Supervisor of Nursing, Vicki Johnston. "To represent the nursing staff of Kingsport City Schools is a privilege and their dedication and commitment to excellence inspires me daily. The last 16-months have shown that bridging the gap between medical needs and education is critical, now more than ever."

Nominations of one principal and one supervisor were accepted from the state’s school districts. Out of more than 60 applications, up to three regional semifinalists were identified by selection committees in each region, and the finalists for each award were then selected by a state-level selection committee.

Principal and Supervisor of the Year finalists will now proceed to an interview that will be held in August 2021. Winners for each Grand Division and the Tennessee Principal and Supervisor of the Year will be selected from this group and announced at the Tennessee Principal and Supervisor of the Year Celebration held in November.

To learn more about the Tennessee Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year Awards, click here.

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with total enrollment over 7,600 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to Inspire. Cultivate. Impact.

For more information on KCS, visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, download our mobile app for Apple/Android devices or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Instagram (@kcs_district), Twitter (@KCS_District), LinkedIn (Kingsport City Schools), and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).

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Published July 13, 2021 Print