LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Angela Harding Newkirk

Position: Elementary School Principal
School: Butler Avenue Elementary School
School District: Clinton City School
City, State: Clinton, NC

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Dr. Angela Harding Newkirk was nominated by ValuTeachers Representative India Rich-Moultrie.

Dr. A. H. Newkirk is a wonderful administrator and a great person. She has such a positive and cheerful personality that shows in her leadership. She is definitely a LifeChanger in the best way possible. She is genuine, kind and a passionate leader. She leads with her heart and is very approachable.

"A few years ago I had the opportunity to experience her leadership firsthand as my Assistant Principal. Once when I had a family emergency she came and taught all three of my math classes for me. That meant so much to me I will never forget it! I also, on several occasions visited her school since she’s been a Principal. Yet again. I observed her dedication to the students, staff and parents," said Rich-Moultrie.

Dr. A.H. Newkirk just doesn’t express her expectations and vision to others; she models them in her daily interaction. Throughout her career Dr. A. H. Newkirk has prioritized supporting teachers and students in rural settings. She has spent several years serving as a math teacher in the community that she graduated from. Her hands- on approach to teaching had led her to be the recipient of Clinton City School’s Outstanding Secondary Mathematics. She also was named Teacher of the Year at one point. In 2017 she became a Mathematics Instructional Coach. She later further her education and pursued to be more vital Change Agents in her role as Principal.

As Principal of Butler Avenue Elementary School she provides a positive learning environment, a commitment to team building and strong encouragement to the community. Dr. Harding was named 2025-2026 Principal of the Year.

After speaking with Ophelia Joyner, Dr. A. Harding - NewKirk’s Bookkeeper, she commented. “It is with great pleasure and without hesitation to recommend Dr. Angela H. Newkirk as a nominee for the LifeChanger of The Year Award. Dr. Newkirk is a true LifeChanger in which she represents the qualities of exceptional leadership and commitment to nurture and support a learning environment. Dr. Newkirk makes a positive impact on students and the school's atmosphere overall.” Dr. A.H. Newkirk is deeply committed to advancing educational opportunities to all students. Her dedication to innovation and academic excellence has made a meaningful impact on the school, school district and the surrounding community she serves.

Comments (35)

Faith Howell Posted 5 months ago

Dr.Newkirk, is an outstanding principal. She goes above and beyond to provide work related or personal support to the facility and staff of Butler Avenue School. She is loved and well respected by the students and staff. Dr.Newkirk has high expectations for her staff and students. She provides a well mapped out plan of how to meet her high expectations and how to help students achieve. Dr.Newkirk has truly changed the morale of BAS in a positive way by providing, love, effective communication, and support.

Danielle Strickland Posted 6 months ago

Dr. Angela H. Newkirk is an outstanding principal and leader. She leads with passion, purpose, and a servant's heart. Dr. Newkirk has created an atmosphere of trust and a culture of excellence at Butler Avenue School.

Terrance Garner Posted 7 months ago

Very well deserved. Dr. A. H. Newkirk is an amazing person, the love she has for the kids is out of this world. Congratulations keep pushing on

Carla Jackson Posted 7 months ago

Congratulations Dr. Newkirk!

Laura Glover Posted 7 months ago

Dr. Angela Newkirk is a phenomenal principal. The energy and passion she has for education, our school, her staff, her parents of her students and especially the students of BAS is absolutely outstanding! She cares and leads BAS with grace and compassion ! Our school is very fortunate for the leadership and dedication she gives daily! Never without a smile and encouraging word!

Rita Posted 7 months ago

She is definitely a good loving person and a true woman of god and a person who loves what she do.She really do deserve it.

Keith Larry Posted 7 months ago

Congrats on your nomination, wishing you the best!!

Ettay Posted 7 months ago

May God continue to bless you.

Christy Bilberry Posted 7 months ago

Dr. Newkirk is an amazing principal and it is my pleasure to work for her. She is so good with the students as well as her staff, I just love her. This award is definitely well deserved! Congratulations!!

April Lewis Posted 7 months ago

Angela is a phenomenal principal and friend. She truly changes the lives of every staff member and student she meets.

Dr. Diane Best Posted 7 months ago

Dr. Angela Newkirk is a leader among leaders. She is gifted with that extra power to make students and adults feel special. At Butler Avenue, she greets you in the morning with a bright and cheerful smile. This gives us an uplifted spirit as the day begins. She has a genuine love for the being able to participate in the community in a positive and growth mindset for all. Dr. Newkirk shares her talents within the scopes of the community across the state. If you ever get the chance to hear her sing and speak, you will be moved by her as much as I have.

Nicole Wilson Posted 7 months ago

Dr. Angela Newkirk has been a wonderful addition to our BAS family! She is a true leader. She encourages, motivates and supports all of us here at Butler Avenue School. She is a true advocate for the children we serve.

TaNella Boykin Posted 7 months ago

She is a phenomenal leader whose dedication, integrity, and compassion set the tone for the entire school. Her commitment to excellence and her genuine care for students, staff, and families make a lasting impact every single day.”

Deborah Harrell Posted 7 months ago

Dr. Newkirk is an awesome principal. She has compassion for her staff and students She is a great fit for Butler Avenue School. We are truly bless to have her.

Wilma Posted 7 months ago

I’ve had the pleasure of watching this young lady grow into the woman of God that she was destined to be. I’m so proud of the accomplishments she has achieved and I can’t wait to see what else is in her future.

Nykevia Owens Posted 7 months ago

Very well deserved nominee

Chanelle Ings Posted 7 months ago

She loves what she’s doing has a heart for people she is well deserving of the nomination

Monica Williams Posted 7 months ago

Not only does Dr. Harding bring so much energy to the profession, she is inclusive with everyone around her. Dr. Harding is motivating and inspiring. I really love how personal she is also. She calls you by your name and when she speaks to you it feels like you are talking to someone you have known for years. A very well deserved nomination!!

Niketha Jones Posted 7 months ago

Beautiful woman of God inside & out. Couldn’t have nominated a more deserving candidate.

Laneshia Lamb Posted 7 months ago

Dr Newkirk has always been passionate about positive student outcomes.

Vivian C .Tyler Posted 7 months ago

She is a very ambitious woman that has a heart of gold with everyone that she meets.

Andrea Faison Posted 7 months ago

She is great princial at BAS. She goes above and beyond for the students and staff.

K Calhoun-Minnis Posted 7 months ago

Doc as we call her is an exceptional and inspiring leader in every sense. She leads with integrity, humility, and unwavering faith, setting the standard for what true leadership should be. Her leadership is intentional and selfless; she empowers others, serves alongside her staff, and always places students and people first. Through her actions, she models excellence, compassion, and strength, creating a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and called to grow. Her presence brings clarity, her words inspire confidence, and her example reflects purpose. She is not only a remarkable leader, but the kind of leader others aspire to become.

Kelly Flynn Posted 7 months ago

Dr. Newkirk is a shining light as she leads and serves the students and staff at Butler Avenue Elementary. It's a privilege working with her!

Ophelia Joyner Posted 7 months ago

Dr. Angela H. Newkirk is an outstanding person who represents true leadership and commitment to her students, staff and our surrounding community.

Tonya Starling Posted 7 months ago

You bring great energy to the workplace. Your positive attitude motivates the team and makes work more enjoyable for everyone.

Shakeila Lamb Posted 7 months ago

This year is my first year teaching, and Dr. Newkirk has been supportive every step of the way. It truly means so much to have an administrator in your corner who consistently shows encouragement and belief in her staff. She never misses an opportunity to give staff shout-outs and make everyone feel valued and important. I love her spunk and the positivity she brings to our school each day. I am so grateful to be a part of her team.

Tammie Jolly Posted 7 months ago

I have worked at Butler Avenue Elem. for 25 years. Angela Harding Newkirk has become my favorite principal ever. She works hard, encourages everyone and a her fun side sets the tone at our school. She is a joy to work with..

Tammie Jolly Posted 7 months ago

I have worked at Butler Avenue Elem. for 25 years. Angela Harding Newkirk has become my favorite principal ever. She works hard, encourages everyone and a her fun side sets the tone at our school. She is a joy to work with..

Kendra Richardson Posted 7 months ago

The BEST principal I know!

Anna Gillespie Posted 7 months ago

I have had the pleasure of knowing Angela since she was in high school. I taught her math and enjoyed her positive spirit when she was a student. She worked through challenges to overcome and become a math teacher. I then had a chance to know her as my child’s math teacher. She was phenomenal in the classroom, motivating even the students who disliked math. Now, she has furthered her education and become a principal at Butler Avenue Elementary. Just last December, we delivered gloves to all the students and Dr. Harding-Newkirk was right there supporting us. I can’t saw enough positive comments on what a great person, leader and friend she is to many. Her influence in the Clinton community will be long-lasting!

Brooke Suggs Posted 7 months ago

Dr. Newkirk is the BEST!!

Dana Faison Posted 7 months ago

Angela Harding is one of the kindest, sweetest, energetic, anointed person you could ever meet. She is a person you can go to to get advice and not worry about her judging you or telling your business. She will give you the shirt off her back. Not to mention she has a voice of a song bird. I just love her.

Sheila Peterson Posted 7 months ago

She is performing great work at BAS!

India Rich-Moultrie Posted 7 months ago

Well deserved nomination!!!