Wilmington's 40 Under 40 Class of 2022: Jonathan Paschal
Age: 36
Birthplace: Morganton, North Carolina
Employer: Brunswick County Schools
Job title: Principal of West Brunswick High School
Family: Wife, Christie, and two sons, Carson and Levi
Education: Currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at UNCW. North Carolina Principal Fellow and master's degree in school administration. Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. All degrees were completed at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with? Board member of the Carousel Center, Port City Community Church member, currently seeking membership of the Southport Rotary Club.
What are your guiding principles? My mission is to motivate, inspire and empower others. I am dedicated to empowering students and educators with the tools they need for leadership and inspiring them to become the best versions of themselves.
How do you volunteer your time in the community? Currently I volunteer as an active board member of the Carousel Center. The organization is led by Amy Feath and the mission is to support healing, promote justice and foster resilience in children victimized by physical or sexual abuse, and to improve our community through education, prevention, and advocacy. I also serve as a coach for several athletic teams for both of my sons.
Who has helped you achieve success in your life and career? My loving wife and best friend, Christie Paschal. My parents, Kent and Shelva, have pushed me to become the best version of myself ever since I can remember. They taught me to care for and serve others with compassion and empathy.
What goal would you like to accomplish before turning 40? Inspire my boys to reach for their dreams as I have reached for mine.
What's your favorite book? Currently, “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek
What are your hobbies? Spending time with my family and friends outside at the pool or beach. Also, playing sports with my sons.
What's your most prized possession? Time
If you had a theme song for your life, what would it be? “Upside Down” by Jack Johnson
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington's 40 Under 40: Jonathan Paschal, principal
