Principal
FROM THE DESK OF...
Michael Holton
Principal
James Kenan High School
Tigers,
Welcome to James Kenan High School, home of the TIGERS! I'm truly honored to serve as the principal at JKHS and proud to be associated with the great people that make up Tiger Nation. I've worked in education for over 35 years and can honestly say our students and staff are the very best! Having served as a principal for the past 21 years, the 2024 - 2025 school year will mark my 15th year as principal at JKHS. When I'm asked what it is about JK that has kept me here so long, my answer is always the people. The JK students, staff and community love their school and take pride in it's long history of success in academics, athletics and more. Calling yourself a "Tiger" means something in our community and that alone makes it a great place to call home. As "Tigers," we hold ourselves to high expectations and expect nothing less than the very best. Just as I hold staff and students accountable to high expectations, they expect the very best from their principal, in return. I promise to always represent JK to the very best of my ability and provide the support and leadership the Tigers deserve.
During my time at JK, the school has exceeded NC growth expectations on numerous occasions and was recognized in the top 1% of NC schools for academic growth during the 2018 - 2019 school year. We tripled the number of students measured by the ACT as "college ready" in 2017 - 2018 and improved our cohort graduation rate by 10% in 2023 - 2024, graduating 80% of our seniors, the highest percentage in school history. In 2016 JKHS was recognized by the NC State Board of Education as a "STEM School of Distinction," one of only two traditional high schools in the state to achieve the honor that year. We believe our mission is to prepare students for success in college, careers and life. Students determine what they want to achieve in life and we support them and provide them with the education needed to reach those goals.
It goes without saying, but our number one goal is to "open doors" for our students and help them realize their lifelong goals. I am committed to providing our students with the resources, structures and supports they need to find success at JK and beyond graduation. We welcome the support and involvement of our parents and community and value our partnership with each, as we work closely together to better educate our students.
As students return to school and take the next step towards graduation, I encourage them to think about their future and the opportunities we offer that best align with their personal goals. We want our students academically focused in the classroom and involved in school organizations, clubs and athletics outside of the classroom. JK offers students with so many opportunities to grow and develop in all areas. Taking advantage of these opportunities and staying involved in school is so very important. Set goals for yourself and return motivated to accomplish greatness! We hope you return with the desire and determination to make this your best year yet! I pray you experience much success and look forward to working with you throughout the year! GO TIGERS!!!
Sincerely,
Michael Holton
Email: mholton@duplinschools.net
Phone: 910-293-4373
Fax: 910-293-6744