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KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Kingsport City Schools (KCS) has announced its 2027 Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year. Dr. Philip Wright has been named KCS Principal of the Year and Emily Helphinstine has been named KCS Supervisor of the Year.
Dr. Philip Wright, Principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, has been named district Principal of the Year. Dr. Wright is in his 25th year with Kingsport City Schools and is entering his seventh year as principal of Roosevelt Elementary School. Wright began his career as a Milligan College intern at Johnson Elementary School during the 2002–2003 school year. After earning his Master’s degree in Teaching, he was hired in 2003 as an elementary music specialist at Lincoln Elementary School, where he served for 11 years. He then transitioned into administration, serving three years as associate principal at Adams Elementary School and three years at Roosevelt Elementary School before being named principal in 2020. Wright believes educating children is a shared responsibility and that meaningful partnerships between schools, families, businesses, and the community help ensure every child has the opportunity, encouragement, and support to succeed. He is passionate about creating a welcoming school environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Wright earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University in 2016.
"Dr. Wright’s recognition as the Kingsport City Schools Principal of the Year is a testament to his unwavering dedication to students, his commitment to supporting growth for his faculty, and a focus on building a school culture where the entire school community can thrive," said Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Hampton. "He exemplifies the very best of educational leadership and this honor is a well-deserved recognition of the positive and lasting impact he has made at Roosevelt Elementary School. We are proud to celebrate his accomplishments and grateful for the difference he makes in the lives of students and educators every day."
Emily Helphinstine, Coordinator of Literacy Programs, has been named district Supervisor of the Year. Helphinstine is in her 27th year as an educator in Kingsport. She began her career by teaching Pre-k, 4th and 5th grade during her 11 years at Kennedy Elementary School before becoming the Instructional Coach at Robinson and Sevier Middle Schools. Helphinstine has been in the role of district Coordinator of Literacy Programs for the past 15 years. During this time, she served on the State Teacher Leader Council, participated in multiple TCAP Item Review committees and served as the state ELA Lead Content Consultant for TNReady Grades 3-5 in 2015. In 2018, Helphinstine was selected as a Leadership Academy Fellow with the University of Tennessee. She has presented Professional Learning sessions at local, state, and national conferences, including the National Learning Forward Conference. Helphinstine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Milligan University as well as a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from East Tennessee State University. In addition, she has an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration from the University of Tennessee.
"Emily Helphinstine’s recognition as Supervisor of the Year reflects her career-long commitment to ensuring high levels of literacy learning for every student and supporting the teachers who make that learning possible," said Hampton. "Through her instructional leadership, collaborative spirit, and dedication to continuous improvement through professional learning, Emily helps build the capacity of educators while keeping student learning at the center of our work. We are fortunate to have a leader who understands that improving literacy outcomes requires both a clear vision for student success and a deep commitment to the teachers who bring that vision to life."
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a student-focused, world-class public school district located in Kingsport, Tennessee, proudly serving students across Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district comprises 13 schools, including a Pre-K facility, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program. With a total enrollment exceeding 7,600 students, KCS is dedicated to fostering educational excellence, empowering student success, and ensuring all students are college and career ready. To learn more, visit www.k12k.com, tune in to WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or contact the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. Stay connected by following us on Facebook (@kcsdistrict), Instagram (@kcs__district), and YouTube (@kcs__district).
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