Prince Edward County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Barbara Johnson announced Nov. 9 that the county’s school board approved the recommendation to appoint Gwendolyn McQuaige-Hicks as the principal of Prince Edward County High School.

“Committed to excellence and the shared vision of Prince Edward County Public Schools, I am confident that she will continue to support students, staff and families,” Johnson said.

“I am humbled. It is truly heartfelt. I am honored to have been selected; I have always put education at the forefront of everything,” McQuaige-Hicks said. “I have been placed in a position where I can be a dream maker to so many young people.”

According to a press release, McQuaige-Hicks attended Prince Edward County Public Schools as a child, graduated from Longwood University, taught in the middle and high schools and has been at the administrative level in all three schools.

Both of McQuaige-Hicks’ parents taught at PECHS.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t think about my parents,” McQuaige-Hicks said.

McQuaige-Hicks’ appointment follows the departure of former PECHS Principal Zoltan Kerestely, who accepted an administrative position out of state earlier this year. Previously serving the school as an assistant principal, McQuaige-Hicks then took the position as the school’s interim principal.