Kenneth Gorham, a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, has become the youngest school principal in US history at Movement Middle School, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. He earned his B.Sc. degree in Political Science from NCATSU in 2019, and subsequently worked as a teacher and instructional coach before achieving this milestone.
The school management cited his leadership abilities as the reason for their selection of him. Jenika Mullen, the superintendent, noted, “When it comes to deciding who to hire, we look at leadership competencies – is this someone people can gravitate to and be inspired by? For Mr. Kenneth Gorham, the answer is yes.”
Since his appointment, Gorham has gained recognition from both parents and students alike. Moya Montgomery, the parent of one of the pupils, commented, “He gives each student a hug when they walk through the door at Movement School each morning, or at least a high five.”
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The management of Movement School views Gorham’s appointment as a way to challenge traditional perceptions of what a school principal should look like. The U.S. Department of Education notes the average age of public school principals as being 48, making the 24-year-old Gorham the youngest one in American history. He feels that his position can serve as proof to others that they can change the narrative and achieve their goals. “As a black male educator and leader, I have to empower our kids, to show them there is more than what the world may perceive,” he said.
