Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN)— Cherryville High School is welcoming its new principal, Mitchell Allen. He's a Gaston County native with nearly 20 years of experience in education. Announced in late March, Allen brings leadership experience and a strong passion for community and student success.
Allen's journey to leadership began in his early years. He finished high school at Hunter Huss in 2001 and went to Appalachian State University for his bachelor's degree. In 2007, he returned to Gaston County to teach science and social studies and run the athletics program at Grier Middle School.
Allen eventually decided to return to school to receive his administration degree from Gardner-Webb University in 2013. After that, he worked as the assistant principal at South Point High School and W.C. Friday Middle School, became the principal of Grier Middle, and eventually became the principal of Chapel Grove Elementary before moving to Cherryville High.
Having spent four years at Chapel Grove Elementary School, Allen says returning to high school leadership seems recognizable and unfamiliar.
The entrance sign at Chapel Grove Elementary School
July 24th, 2025. By: Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
"Chapel Grove was the only school I've ever been in. Other than me being a student at Pleasant Ridge back in the day. So when I transitioned from Grier Middle to elementary school, I had never taught or led elementary school." Allen said. "So I got some experiences, I learned that you're not going to know everything, especially going from one level to another. You surround yourself with good people, and you learn from those good people."
Allen acknowledges that while education has shifted in various ways since he ended his last high school role, especially post-pandemic, the core principles still hold true. "A lot of things haven't changed. And I am fortunate here at Cherryville to have a great staff to lean on and help support me in this transition."
A few mentors greatly influenced Allen's move from teaching to administration. While teaching at Grier, his principal, Joey Clinton, pushed him to consider returning to school for his graduate studies.
"When I was working under Mr. Clinton, he said, Mitch, you really need to think about going back to school to get your admin degree," Allen recalled. "I always wanted to do it. But it was that push from Mr. Clinton, as well as others in the county, that kind of saw potential in me."
Allen earned his administration degree through a cohort program offered by Gardner-Webb University. He went to Ashbrook High School every Thursday for a year and a half, including summers. He took up to three classes each semester. The program brought professors to Ashbrook, so students did not have to travel to Boiling Springs. With Clinton's support, Allen felt it was the perfect time to advance his career.
Allen's journey to becoming a leader has been influenced by his family members, many of whom are in the education field, and mentors from the church he grew up in, Bradley Memorial United Methodist.
"I grew up in Bradley Memorial United Methodist Church and knew many former administrators. Bobbie Holland was an administrator; she's like another mom to me. Beverly Keller, she was a principal and then the deputy superintendent. There were many people in church that I saw, who were in leadership roles with the schools and all".
Allen credits many people with shaping his path into school leadership. "Mr Clinton was huge as far as getting me to become a principal," he said. When I was at South Point, I worked under Gary Ford, who was very instrumental in my development. He's a great guy and a great leader."
Allen noted that it was hard to name everyone who has influenced him because many people in Gaston County Schools have supported him throughout his career.
Allen is passionate about helping every student define success on their own terms.
"Success is different for everybody, He said. "For some, it's starting a family or entering the workforce. For others, it's earning a degree or enlisting in the military. We talk about the three E's — enrollment, employment, or enlistment. All three of those, no matter what you do, are setting you up to be a productive member of our society.
A bulletin board on the wall of Cherryville High School showing the 3 E's
July 24th, 2025. By: Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
He also mentioned Cherryville High School's strong alumni connection, where around 85% of the staff members are former students. "There's not another school that can say that," Allen said. "They know that the community gives to the school and the school gives to the community. So it's that kind of symbiotic relationship that keeps us unique and keeps us the best of school in the county."
Allen wants students to know that success is not just about quick victories; it's about sticking with it and putting in the long-term effort. He pointed out that while some might score quick wins, real success usually comes from hard work and determination.
"Maybe the first time you do something, you're not going to be successful. Don't quit," he added. "If you want it bad enough, have the grit, pick yourself up by your bootstraps, and try something different. As long as you're trying to get your goal and not just change. That's kind of what we want to try and help. In society these days, that's not as focused on, it's more of what's in it for me right now."
Allen says joining the Ironman family has been both humbling and exciting.
A sign welcoming visitors to Cherryville High School
July 24th, 2025. By: Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
"Whenever you get announced at a new school, you don't know where you're going," he said. "We have a leadership in Gaston County that's phenomenal, that knows the skill set of multiple people in leadership, and they put you where they think you'll be most successful. So, coming to Cherryville was phenomenal."
Allen has always been familiar with Cherryville and its close-knit community. He has friends and colleagues working at the school, and he really appreciates the values that the community fosters in its students.
He mentioned that Cherryville High School's culture is special because it offers support for both students and teachers. Everyone there is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of everyone who comes through the doors, from the students to their families and even other educators.
For Allen, leading such a school feels refreshing and gives him hope for the future. He acknowledged that public education has its challenges, some things a school can handle, while others are out of their hands, but with a strong team and a good partnership with the community, Allen believes the school can thrive.
When Allen is not working, he keeps busy with family and various hobbies. He and his son have a great time playing golf together, even if, as he puts it, they're "not the best at it." Cooking is another one of his passions, especially barbecue. He has a smoker at home and enjoys using it.
Thanks to his college years at Appalachian State, the mountains have a special place in his heart. His family tries to make trips to Boone and Blowing Rock whenever possible to enjoy the beautiful scenery. But the beach has its significance too; he and his wife tied the knot at Oak Island, and it's a spot they love to return to whenever the opportunity arises.
Most of Allen's free time revolves around his son's soccer activities. His son plays for Charlotte Independence, and Allen is one of the assistant coaches. "We practice three times a week," he shared. "On weekends, we're either out and about in the Charlotte area playing or at a tournament."
When asked what advice he would give his high school self, Allen reflected on how crucial it is to appreciate each phase of life. "Enjoy your time in high school. Enjoy your time in college," he said. "Once the real world hits, it's the real world."
He added that he would remind himself not to take relationships for granted. "Don't take for granted the friendships that you have and the family members who support you," Allen said. "Always be yourself. Only you can define what success is for you and what happiness is for you. Listen to advice, take it into account, and mold your decisions based on things that you want to mold them off of. But ultimately, it's your decision."
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