Eastern High Wins Hubert B. Humphrey Award
Eastern Guilford High School is the recipient of the 2025 Hubert B. Humphrey Jr. School Improvement Award.
The announcement came at the 2025 State of Our Community event sponsored by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.
The Humphrey Award is designed to recognize a school that designs and implements “a comprehensive school improvement plan that supports collaboration and leads toward improved student achievement.” A selection committee reviews certain academic metrics and considers how each school plans to engage the community, serve diverse student populations and improve student outcomes.
“This award affirms the hard work of our students, staff, families, and community partners,” said Darrell A. Harris Jr., principal of Eastern High. “We are excited to continue breaking down barriers to student success and ensuring every Wildcat has the tools to thrive in high school and beyond. As I remind our community in every message I send: You are loved, you are appreciated, you are important—and there’s nothing you can do about it. That spirit of care and belonging is at the heart of Eastern High.”
During the 2024–2025 school year, Eastern High implemented key initiatives to promote belonging, academic achievement and whole child development, including:
Wildcat Time – A daily advisory and enrichment period providing targeted academic interventions, clubs and social-emotional learning opportunities.
Freshman Academy – An interdisciplinary team model supporting ninth graders with tailored instruction, collaborative teacher planning and early intervention.
Family Engagement Programs – Quarterly parent nights, multilingual outreach and the Positive Ongoing Parental Support (POPS) volunteer program to strengthen school-community connections.
One standout success story involved a ninth-grade student who entered the school year facing chronic absenteeism and academic challenges. With consistent support through Freshman Academy and Wildcat Time, the student improved attendance, passed all core classes, and was recognized for their growth.
The school will receive $12,000, which it will use to focus on student support. Dr. Harris says the money will support expanded college and career readiness experiences, professional learning for teachers and increased family engagement opportunities. Plans include college visits for every grade level, enhanced resources for the Freshman Academy and multilingual family planning events.
“Eastern High embodies the spirit of continuous improvement and community partnership that this award celebrates,” said Dr. Whitney Oakley, superintendent. “Their intentional focus on academic growth, student well-being and strong family engagement aligns perfectly with our district’s strategic priorities and vision for preparing all students for the world.”
Hubert B. “Hugh” Humphrey was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation from 1981 until he passed away in 2003. Revered by fellow trustees and staff, Humphrey also served as legal counsel to the foundation. In November 2003, the trustees created the Hubert B. Humphrey Jr. School Improvement Award to honor his dedication. The Foundation established a fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, which is used each year to support the cash award.
About Guilford County Schools
Guilford County Schools, the third largest school district in North Carolina and among the largest of more than 14,000 in the United States, serves nearly 67,000 PK-12 students at 120 schools. With approximately 9,800 employees, GCS works in partnership with parents, businesses, colleges and the community to deliver an education that connects student interests and skills with the careers and economy of our future here and around the world. We provide educational choices to meet individual student needs in a culturally diverse citizenship and new opportunities to help our students grow. For more information, visit the district’s website at www.gcsnc.com