Educators

“I wouldn’t do anything else in the world than what I’m doing now. This is my fate, and it’s a pretty amazing job.”

HER LIFE’S CALLING
She set out in life with a goal of becoming an airplane pilot, but found her calling as an educator. Lynn Rhymer, a 25 year education veteran, is the principal of Central Cabarrus High School and the 2013-2014 Cabarrus County Schools Principal of the Year. She discovered her natural teaching talent as she prepared to become a pilot, and even took the Air Force candidate test. She is still serving her country, just in a different way. It was through her matriculation through college and summer camps where she coached basketball that she realized it was her passion to motivate and work with kids. “When you know, you know,” said Principal Rhymer regarding her love for education. “I wouldn’t do anything else in the world than what I’m doing now. This is my fate, and it’s a pretty amazing job.”

As principal, she really enjoys the ability to impact her staff, teachers and kids through her leadership. She is known for teaching team work and a strong work ethic, and students are at the center of every decision. “I believe in building relationships with students, staff and the community,” she said. “We have high expectations; accountability with flexibility, and most importantly, shared leadership and ownership. I hope, through exemplifying and modeling leadership and empowering teachers, I inspire them to also become leaders, not only at school, but also in their communities.

As far as the students go, she says she and the others educators and staff at Central Cabarrus High School grow and learn from them every day. Whenever she’s had ‘one of those days’ she just goes and hangs out with the kids and she’s reminded immediately why she does what she does, and loves it.

RHYMER’S CREDENTIALS
She studied mathematics at East Tennessee State and then went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Western Carolina University. Because of her love for math and coaching, she decided to go back to get her teaching certificate from Western Carolina University, and then she went on to teach mathematics for 15 years. She received her master’s degree in school administration from Appalachian State University, and since has served as an assistant principal and principal. This is her seventh year as principal in Cabarrus County. She was previously the principal at Northwest Cabarrus High School before becoming principal at Central Cabarrus High School. Prior to moving to Concord, she lived in Gastonia. She also taught and coached basketball at Freedom High School in Morgantown, N.C.

WHY SHE LOVES CENTRAL CABARRUS HIGH SCHOOL
Central Cabarrus High School is a school where students are first. The excitement in the building on a daily basis is electric. Our STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program and freshman academy are one of a kind in Cabarrus County Schools and provide our students and parents with an education specific for their child's needs and abilities! We have a great academic culture and strong extracurricular opportunities. I believe we embody a strong sense of community and we have a tradition of excellence.

We are lucky enough to have parents who are involved in their child's life and education. There is a strong sense of pride and commitment to CCHS from our community. The teachers are committed to each and every student and our student body rocks! Our students have a great sense of who they are and where they are going. Our student body is a caring, accepting and proud group. They support each other and embrace diversity. School spirit is high and academics press important!

DEAR STUDENTS
High school is one of the greatest times of your life. Challenge yourself, get involved in something you enjoy, and know that we are here for you.

DEAR PARENTS
Cabarrus County School System cares about your kids and their futures! The staff, teachers and communities believe in our school system for a reason! I want you to know there is strong leadership and a shared vision of excellence for all students that drives our work every day.

Cabarrus County Schools System is student focused with a singular end result in mind – the student is prepared for life in the 21st century. After matriculating through our schools, students will be college or career ready and have had opportunities to excel and experience many different activities that will prepare them for everyday life. We have a very good school system that strives to be great!

DEAR TEACHERS
Cabarrus County Schools has the desire to be the best. We have a great culture for teachers to learn and grow.

THE MOST EXCITING THING ABOUT BEING PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
The most exciting thing has been the impact it has made on my staff, students and school community. My students are so proud, and my staff deserves the recognition as well. Comments from my students like "You’re the best principal I have ever had," is absolutely the best feeling!

Principal Rhymer was named 2013-2014 High School Principal of the Year by the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals Association (NCPAPA). And now, NCPAPA has nominated Rhymer for a national award – the MetLife/National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) National Principal of the Year.

Earlier in 2013, she was named Regional Principal of the Year by the state of North Carolina through its Wells Fargo Principal of the Year program.

PRINCIPAL RHYMER ON AND OFF CAMPUS
Ms. Rhymer, who lives in Cabarrus County but is originally from Asheville, N.C., spends her downtime with her family and being active. She enjoys the extracurricular events at Central Cabarrus High School and spending time with her puppies, Mickie-Bud and Kali Ray. She has 1,200 children, all of whom attend Central Cabarrus High.