This guest post is written by Karley Wells, Haywood County Schools’ elementary supervisor. Ms. Wells is the 2025 Wells Fargo Western Regional Principal of the Year.
One year ago, Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, leaving behind destruction and heartache that we will never forget. In those first days, it felt as if the storm had taken so much from us: homes, routines and, for a while, our sense of normalcy.
But even in the midst of the storm, something powerful began to emerge. Neighbors became family, strangers became friends and our community showed a kind of resilience that no hurricane could wash away. Helpers showed up from states away to deliver school supplies, clothing, food and cleaning supplies for our families. I’ll never forget the outpouring of love that came to ensure that our children knew they were safe and loved.
One of the most touching moments was when a school team delivered food to a hard-hit neighborhood. As they pulled in, a student standing in the street with friends shouted with joy, “It’s my school! I told you they would come!” That simple statement captured so much! It demonstrated the trust our students place in us and the deep connection between schools and the communities we serve.
When our schools finally reopened, one of my teachers described that first day back as “a reunion unlike any she had ever experienced.” She said the joy on her students’ faces as they saw their friends and reconnected with their teachers was unforgettable. It was even better than the excitement of the first day of school because this time, they weren’t just starting a school year. They were returning to a community that had been tested, strengthened and brought closer together.
This anniversary is not about reliving the pain of what we went through, but about celebrating the good that rose out of it. The good we see when challenges bring out the best in us. The good that reminds us why we do the work we do each day.
Over the past year, we’ve also learned from others who have experienced disasters and walked the long road of recovery. One of the most important lessons has been this: healing requires self-care. Even one year later, many of us are still in the disillusionment phase, working our way back toward emotional stability. The anniversary of any disaster can bring emotional lows, and we must remember to care for ourselves, our staff and our community as we continue this journey forward.
With that in mind, Haywood County Schools’ principals and directors began this school year with a challenge rooted in self-care. Knowing the powerful connection between physical exercise and mental wellness, we set a goal: walk six million steps in 36 days. Not only did our team rise to the challenge, they surpassed it, finishing with over 13 million collective steps!
Principals shared how walking gave them a sense of mental clarity and served as time to reset, reflect and simply breathe. This challenge was more than a step-count; it was a testament to our staff’s commitment and persistence and a reminder that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of others.
As we reflect on this year, may we continue to celebrate the good and care for ourselves and one another. Storms may come, but our response, our unity and our resilience will always define us.