Buncombe County has confirmed what many parents of students at Swannanoa’s W.D. Williams Elementary already knew – Principal Carrie Lynch is the cream of the crop. This fall, the County surprised Lynch with the announcement that she had been named the Buncombe County Schools Principal of the Year. Lynch was chosen after a peer nomination and selection process. In the announcement of the award, Lynch was praised for her “calm demeanor, good communication skills, passion, and dedication to putting students first.”

Lynch is a graduate of Owen High School, and has long-standing ties to the Swannanoa Valley. She previously served as a classroom teacher and assistant principal. Lynch holds a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and a master’s in special education from Western Carolina University.

BCS Associate Superintendent Susanne Swanger said Lynch “exemplifies the qualities of our very best leaders in BCS. Not only is she a true instructional leader; most importantly, she is always genuine with her students, staff, and families. I see her learning alongside her staff and always working to make learning better for students.”