Now in her third year as principal at LHS, Mrs. Ballard’s connection to LHS began long before she became an administrator. Her mother taught French there for 27 years, and Mrs. Ballard later walked the same halls as a student, graduating with the Class of 1999. A UNC Chapel Hill graduate and NC Teaching Fellow, she taught for 10 years in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before returning home to Lincoln County. She has served as an assistant principal at LHS and spent seven years as principal of West Lincoln Middle School before returning to lead her alma mater. Last year, she was named Lincoln County Schools Principal of the Year!

And what does it take to keep up with a high school principal? Mrs. Ballard’s Principal Starter Kit includes her jelly shoes, keys and badge, walkie, cell phone and—most importantly—Diet Sun Drop! She makes sure there’s one waiting in just about every place she might be throughout the day.

Mrs. Ballard believes high school is about more than earning a diploma. It’s about helping students discover their talents, find where they belong and prepare for all the possibilities waiting after graduation. Thank you, Mrs. Ballard, for leading the Wolves and helping students Learn. Lead. Thrive.