Dr. Jackson, Dr. Johnson, Ms. Harris, Mr. Harbin, Ms. McCurry, Mr. Hough, Ms. Lewis, and Dr. Reed pose for a photo in front of school buses at Enka High.

By 8:14 a.m., Enka High School assistant principal Caleb Harbin had already had a busy morning. It wasn’t unusual when he got a call on his radio to “come help with a situation in the bus lot.” The "situation" he found upon exiting the building, was a crowd clapping and cheering, that included BCS leaders, students, teachers, his fellow administrators, and his family. 

Ms. Harris and a surprised Mr. Harbin walk out the doors at Enka High School“Mr. Harbin, we’re here to share the good news that your colleagues across the Buncombe County Schools system have chosen you as the BCS Assistant Principal of the Year,” shared BCS Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson. “We thank you for everything you do for your students and colleagues.”

Ms. Lewis presents Mr. Harbin with a balloon as people clap and smile in the background.Dr. Jackson was joined by Associate Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Reed, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jamie Johnson, and Ms. Judy Lewis from the Buncombe County Board of Education. Mr. Harbin’s wife, son, and parents were also there to be part of the pop-up celebration. 

Dr. Jackson stands next to Mr. Harbin and Mrs. Harbin, who is holding their toddler son. Mr. Harbin's parents stand in the background.“This is so humbling,” Mr. Harbin said, after thanking everyone for gathering to celebrate his achievement. “I love the relationships I’ve built in this role - relationships with kids, teachers, the administrative team here at Enka High, and the assistant principals across BCS. It means so much they shared this honor with me.” 

A crowd of students standing outside claps for Mr. HarbinMr. Harbin was nominated for his efforts on working with students to build schedules to help them be successful and reach their goals, and for serving as a mentor to new educators and administrators. He’s now eligible to be a regional Assistant Principal of the Year, and could be selected to represent North Carolina for National Assistant Principal of the Year.