CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has named Dr. Timisha Barnes-Jones, principal of West Charlotte High, as their 2018 Principal of the Year.

• Dr. Timisha Barnes-Jones is CMS Principal of the Year.
• Barnes-Jones has been an educator in CMS for 19 years.
• She says she became an educator to impact the lives of students.

Dr. Barnes-Jones, who is a native of Kannapolis, was surprised by Superintendent Dr. Calyton Wilcox at a ceremony held at WCHS’s auditorium Monday.

"I'm really humbled and feeling very blessed," said Dr. Barnes-Jones.

Dr. Barnes-Jones has been an educator for more than 21 years, 19 of which have been with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Under Dr. Barnes-Jone’s leadership, West Charlotte graduation rates have improved over 54% and in 2017 the school was removed from the recurring low performance school list and designated as a school of high growth.

Barnes-Jones said she became a principal because she wanted to have an impact on the lives of students.