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NCHSAA Names Lenker as Superintendent of the Year
NCHSAA Names Lenker as Superintendent of the Year
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Dr. Ethan Lenker, who has provided Pitt County Schools with unparalleled dedicated leadership since 2013, has been named the Bob McRae Superintendent of the Year by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.
The NCHSAA annually presents statewide awards in several different categories, based on those "who have done the most for high school athletics" rather than a single accomplishment or having an outstanding won-loss record. The awards are named in memory or in honor of outstanding individuals in each category, several of whom are current members of the NCHSAA Hall of Fame.
Lenker is a 36-year veteran of the field of education, and until his forthcoming retirement at the end of July, ranks as the longest-serving superintendent in North Carolina with 19 years of service. Before his appointment to guide the PCS system, Lenker served five years as the Sampson County Superintendent and three as the Jones County Superintendent. Along the way, he has risen through the ranks as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and central office director.
The high schools under Lenker’s watch annually excel in athletics competition. In its most recent snapshot, PCS programs maintained its consistency of success during the 2024 spring semester alone. The North Pitt High School girls basketball team captured the 2A state championship, the Farmville Central boys basketball squad again advanced to play for a 2A state title after claiming the crown in 2023 and South Central High School’s baseball program finished as the 3A East Regional champions and state runner-up. Additionally, the Falcon's girls golf team won the 3A state championship and J.H. Rose High School boys golf advanced to the state finals earlier this year. Lenker has also supported and enjoyed the success of long-time JHR Head Baseball Coach Ronald "RV" Vincent, who will be inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame (NFHS) on July 1, 2024.
Since the start of the 2022 calendar year, Pitt County Schools athletic programs are the owners of 16 team or individual state titles.
The NCHSAA lauded Lenker as being an "open and responsive leader who is a good communicator, collaborator, visionary and tireless worker deeply committed to his students, staff and community."
Lenker will be formally honored at the NCHSAA Awards Banquet, which is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12 in Greensboro.