JCHS principal gets group’s top award

By TONY FYFFE
BSN Editor

PAINTSVILLE — Johnson Central’s Noel Crum has been named Kentucky’s 2020 High School Principal of the Year. Crum received the award from the Kentucky Association of Secondary School Principals (KASSP) and is eligible to compete for the National Principal of the Year honor. The state award recognizes excellence in instructional leadership; student achievement results; closing gaps and providing opportunities for all students to thrive; school culture and climate; and contributions to the community and the profession, according to the KASSP website. “This is such a prestigious honor, but I would like to share this recognition with the staff and students at Johnson Central High School,” Crum said. “Without the hard work, talent, and dedication of everyone affiliated with our high school, I could have never achieved an honor of this magnitude.” Crum, who is in his second stint as JCHS principal, is a 25-year veteran of the Johnson County School District. During his career, he has also served asa a teacher, curriculum director, assistant principal, CTE principal and district CTE/Innovation coordinator. Crum is also a former Johnson County commissioner. Under Crum’s leadership, JCHS has amassed numerous academic and athletic achievements, including the 2019 Kentucky Governor’s Cup championship, which placed JCHS on top of all schools in the state, both public and private. JCHS is also the only school in the world to have earned five international future problem solving championships, defeating schools from all over the globe. JCHS also won the 2019 4A state football championship. During Crum’s tenure, JCHS has also earned regional championships and state-level success in many sports, including basketball, baseball, wrestling, soccer, track, bass fishing, golf, cross country, baseball and softball. “An honor like this is more of a statement about the overall success of our school,” said Crum. “I just try to serve and empower our staff who in turn molds and guides our students. The reason for our immense success is because of the coaches, teachers and support staff who put in countless hours along with our students who are willing to go the extra mile to achieve greatness. In my opinion, that is what makes Johnson Central the best high school in the state of Kentucky.” As Kentucky’s High School Principal of the Year, Crum will be recognized this fall in Washington, D.C. by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He will also receive a crystal engraved trophy and a one-time $500 scholarship for use by a student at his school.