Dalphine Perry, principal at Zebulon GT Magnet School, is one of five finalists for Principal of the Year.

Teri Whyte Scott, assistant principal at East Wake High School’s School of Engineering, is one of five assistant principals to be tapped for the highest honor an assistant principal can reach.

The finalists were nominated by the school system’s principal and assistant principals. Teams will interview the candidates to determine the winners. They will be named in a celebration on October 16 at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh.

Both Perry and Whyte Scott share a passion for learning and working with students and teachers.

“I became an educator to fulfill my calling,” said Whyte Scott. “My first educational passion is to work with students that seem to have insurmountable odds stacked against them. To watch those students experience success, especially after many have expressed their doubts is rewarding alone.”

Whyte Scott said she also likes to work with students who are “full of potential,” and for whatever reason, aren’t stepping up to the challenge.

“Finally, my third passion is to work with teachers,” she said. “Everyday, I learn something new from our teachers. The excitement, passion and pure love that our teachers demonstrate are like no other.” Perry, who attended Appalachian State University on a teaching scholarship, said she loves witnessing student and staff successes.

“I love collaborating with colleagues on innovative ideas and seeing an idea come to fruition. Recognizing others for their accomplishments feeds my passion for schooling. Most of all, I love children. They keep me energized and excited about learning.” Perry became a teacher due to the influence of her 10th grade geometry teacher who challenged her to excel.

“I wanted to be a part of an organization that makes the difference in the lives of young people. My parents instilled in me the value of getting a good education and making a difference in the community.” Whyte Scott’s parents influenced her as well. They are both teachers — her mother, a retired social studies teacher, and her father, an elementary physical education teacher and a high school football coach.

“They are so excited,” she said.

Scott, who holds three master’s degrees, attended her undergraduate years at N.C. State University which she attended on a full basketball scholarship.

She enjoys going to all sporting events at East Wake, but has worked hard to achieve a balance between work and her family. She’s also a wife and mother.

“I attend just about every sporting event at the school,” said said. “It’s just a little way to show my support for our kids. And you know I can’t support the student athletes without supporting our theater arts kids, band kids and chorus kids...As a family, we have figured out how to do both — support students and have family time too.” Perry faces the task of influencing students when they are in their vulnerable middle school years.

“The greatest challenge in educating middle school students today is instilling in them a continuous love of learning and the courage to make good choices amidst the social pressures they encounter during preteen and early teenage years,” she said.

Perry and Whyte Scott both believe parents can help students achieve by encouraging good homework habits, and helping them plan personal learning goals. Whyte Scott believes parents should meet with guidance counselor’s to help their children map out their educational path.

“They can insist that their child spend more time reading and studying at home. ...,” said Perry, also noting it’s important to celebrate successes. “Attending school events and regular conferences with their children’s teachers are critical advantages. Serving as a volunteer, mentor, or tutor are specific ways that parents can demonstrate the importance of education to their children.”

One of Perry’s greatest challenges is attempting to close the achievement gap, she said. Whyte Scott said being an assistant principal almost gives her a second life.

“I love being a perpetual teenager.“What other profession allows you to relive homecoming, prom and graduation over and over again. I get to be a senior every year.”