At just 25-years-old, Kenneth Gorham is the youngest principal at Movement School.
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The feat is impressive as the average age of a principal is 48-years-old, according to a study. Due to this statistic, Gorham did not think it would be possible, considering his age and short career history.
“I’m 24 years old. I actually turned 25 next week,” Gorham told WCNC Charlotte. “I was in my head absolutely about my age, I was in my head absolutely about my years of experience, for sure.”
Gorham proved to be quite deserving of the new title. Each day, he stands at Movement School’s doors to greet the students. He has even become their top supporter as well as an admired figure that students look up to.
“He always gives every student a walk-through Movement Middle School’s doors, he gives him a hug every morning. If not a hug, a high five,” Moya Montgomery, a parent at Movement School, said, according to WCNC Charlotte.
What also contributed to the decision to hire Gorham as the principal was his gleaming test scores.
“When we think about hiring, it is really about like your leadership competencies,” said Superintendent Jenika Mullen, according to WCNC Charlotte. “Are you someone that people will want to follow and be inspired by? The answer is yes [for] Mr. Gorham.”
In his new position, Gorham hopes his students will be inspired beyond the barriers that society will try to place Black children in. His mission is to continue to elevate and empower students each day.
“As a Black male educator, as a Black male leader, my job is truly to empower our children to show them like beyond what the world may believe or perceive. You can absolutely change that narrative every single day,” he said, according to reports.
