LaTresha Wilson, principal at Tuckaseegee Elementary School, received a surprise on Friday morning when Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) named her principal of the year. She was one of 11 principals announced as finalists for the honor.

“[The recognition] means a lot to me because when you get a chance to do something you love, you’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do,” Wilson said in a statement. “I think that it’s amazing, it’s a little mind-blowing, but I’m just grateful that people are seeing the good work that is happening at Tuckaseegee and that we’re being a beacon of light in the community.”

During her first year as principal three years ago, Tuckaseegee was on the list of low-performing schools.

By the end of the year, the school’s performance grade moved from a D

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