An era at Panther Creek is coming to an end. Principal Rodney Nelson announced his retirement on April 11th, 2014, after thirty-five years working in North Carolina as an administrator and teacher. It has become hard for us to imagine Panther Creek without him, as Ms. Taylor said, “Panther Creek is about Mr. Nelson, and his leadership, and his vision, “

Just as most students at Panther Creek would agree, Mr. Nelson’s greatest legacy will be SMART Lunch. Senior Rony Nasrallah agrees and believes that, “without SMART lunch we [wouldn’t] be as competitive… a lot of intellectual people that come out of Panther Creek can attribute their success to SMART lunch.” Senior Kyle Werner believes that Mr. Nelson is very good at keeping base with his students,I know in a lot of other schools in the state, and even in the county, their principal doesn’t do the announcements every morning, and some [students] have never even heard of their principal. I think [Mr. Nelson] does a really good job in trying to get out as much as possible.

After interviewing assistant principal, Ms.Taylor, we’ve come to truly understand Mr. Nelson’s vital importance to Panther Creek. “What students might not [have] realized is that our school is focused on high expectations, intervention, and collaboration, and it was truly Mr. Nelson’s vision that allowed us to create an environment where we can support students who come from different backgrounds and that we could support teachers.” She went on to describe Mr. Nelson’s commitment on helping students who struggle. “There are some students who might not need intervention and that are going to sail right through high school and go onto college… But there are other students who need different types of support and he really was instrumental in creating [an] environment that allowed that support to take place and then the collaboration piece in high schools has been atypical.” So what makes a great principal?

Students at Panther Creek have recognized Mr. Nelson for his many traits, but none can compare to senior Ricky Bjork description of Mr. Nelson. “He is a demigod,” says Bjork, “or a god-king. He is a fantastically looking man who can do just about anything. He is incredibly smart and incredibly talented.” Others have described him as a strict and caring principal, who cares for the welfare of his students but also expects them to uphold Panther Creek standards. “If you have ever shaken his hand, that will say it all: He’s very disciplined, strong-willed, and he’s very understanding,” says Nasrallah, “I know whenever people contact him with little iffy attitudes he will definitely placate the situation, calm them down, and be very understanding with them. So he’s strict, but very understanding and kind in the way he goes about it.” Mr. Nelson’s outstanding character remains to be an embodiment of Panther Creek students.

Students of Panther Creek understand the rules, and come in knowing right from wrong. They also know the expectations of Panther Creek and continue to uphold those expectations. Our conscientious student body and Mr. Nelson’s stringent character has awarded Panther Creek with many notable achievements. Ms. Taylor tells us, “For two consecutive years we’ve been recognized for our high graduation rates. We won the REAL deal award from the governor based on our achievement and our teaching and working conditions. Of course our wonderful athletic program has received recognition as well.” U.S. News ranked Panther Creek as number three in the Top Ranked North Carolina Schools. Being in the top 5% of 30,000 schools in the nation, Panther Creek can definitely attribute most of that success to Mr. Nelson.

Students value Mr. Nelson and have even dedicated this year’s senior prank to honor him. They have done so by printing out a picture of Mr. Nelson’s face and placing it around the school, also known as “Nelsoning”. The students who initiated this prank decided it would be a way to keep his legacy known for future students in years to come at Panther Creek. Going around the school, it is obvious how much students appreciate Mr. Nelson’s hard work and dedication to our school. In the midst of SMART Lunch, and the high graduation rates, its is certain that Mr.Nelson’s contribution to Panther Creek will never be forgotten. His character and achievements will always be remembered long after his retirement. And his legacy will continue to be one of the greatest Panther Creek has ever come to known. Anyone who wants to honor and thank Mr. Nelson for his service can attend his retirement reception at Panther Creek High School on June 11th from 5:00-7:00 PM.

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