Valle Crucis Principal Wayne Eberle was named Watauga County Schools Principal of the year for the 2009-2010 school year.

Marshall Ashcraft of WCS said Eberle was told he won the award when Superintendent Dr. Marty Hemric, Board of Education Chair Lowell Younce, and Board of Education member Steve Combs showed up at Valle Crucis Elementary unexpectedly.

Upon receiving the award, Eberle said, “It’s really an honor to be selected.  Good leaders surround themselves with great people.  I’m only as good as the students, faculty, and community that work with me.”

As being named Watauga County Schools’ principal of the year, Eberle received a check for $500 and a plaque recognizing his achievement.

Eberle is now one of six regional principals of the year who are in the running for the principal of the year for the state.

Eberle is serving his fifth year as the principal at Valle Crucis.

(Photo courtesy of Watauga County Schools)