CityView Magazine

Discove r Cit yV iewN C.co m's fre s h up d ate d loo k ! | 27 County system, first as a guidance counselor and later as a principal, along the way attaining his third graduate degree, a master's in school administration. His longest term as principal was at Edgewood Elementary (now Luther "Nick" Jeralds Middle School), where aer years of working with youth and adults, his love for children was cemented. Upon his arrival at Edgewood, he found student behavior and test results from previous years to be unsatisfactory and he was up to the challenge for making improvements. Will you be the one to turn things around and make a difference? the school system queried. Wholeheartedly, yes, he thought. I can do that. Wright instituted free aer-school clubs in high-interest subjects such as golf, tennis, drama, foreign language, music, reading and math and permitted students who met academic and personal growth goals to participate in the clubs. His so-spoken and positive approach to education boosted both results and morale. "e clubs were very successful," he reflected. "Vandalism and problem behaviors went down, test scores went up, and my staff received a state-level stipend for the school's overall performance." A popular and much-celebrated administrator, Wright received many awards during his years in education, including Most Supportive Principal, E.E. Smith District Principal of the Year and Wachovia Principal of the Year. He tried to retire in 2005 but was soon called back to be a counselor at the newly opened Ireland Drive Middle School, where he continued to inspire students to do their best. He retired from CCS in 2016, leaving more time for his third calling in life: volunteerism. Wright's volunteer work through agencies such as the Fort Bragg Library, Fort Bragg Main Post Chapel, Fayetteville Symphony, the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and Cape Fear Regional eatre has touched countless lives. His membership and leadership on groups and boards including the Cumberland County Veteran's Council, Greater Fayetteville United, Senior Citizens Commission, Association of the U.S. Army, and too many others to name, has impacted many more. Work might seem like Willie Wright's middle name, but he loves to travel, exercise, read, take classes for personal learning and spend time with his family, now expanded to include four grandchildren, ages 11 to 25. He is a busy man of many interests, skills and talents, generously helping others, even now, in a new chapter of life. Fayetteville may ask, rhetorically: What's next, Willie Wright? Will you continue to give and serve? No spoken reply is needed. His life gives the familiar answer: I can do that. The Little Gym of Fayetteville www.tlgfayettevillenc.com Call 910.223.3496 to enroll today! Programs available for ages 4 months to 12 years old! TRY A FR EE CLASS TODAY!

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