Story by Addison Dunbar and Charlene Gonzalez

Shane Whitener has served as principal of Discovery High School since 2019, but he has held other positions within Newton-Conover City Schools, bringing his total years in education to 28. “I started as a teacher and coach for Newton-Conover City Schools until one day the assistant superintendent spoke with another teacher and me about going into administration,” explained Principal Whitener.

After Mr. Whitener spoke with the superintendent, he and the other teacher enrolled together in the master’s in school administration program, which led him to become principal of Discovery High. “My passion is working with students and helping to guide them. I ultimately wanted to be able to impact as many as possible, so the best way to do that was through being a principal,” said Principal Whitener.

Mr. Whitener is very busy throughout the day, and a lot of his time is spent doing clerical work. “Unfortunately, it’s paperwork that keeps me very busy,” said Principal Whitener. It keeps him in his office, which is tough because he loves engaging with his students and staff. Mr. Whitener is constantly helping his students and staff, no matter the cause, even when busy.

Mr. Whitener enjoys making people laugh and having fun with them. “If I had to describe Mr. Whitener in three words, they would be supportive, goofy, and talkative—not in a bad way,” said Calleigh Berry.

Mr. Whitener is with students when not in his office, talking to them and making sure his students are well. He wants them to have fun while learning during the school day, making it feel like a community and family. “ I love talking with the students and hopefully helping to mold them into wonderful adults who will be good citizens and passionate about whatever they want to do with their lives,” said Principal Whitener.

Mr. Whitener also does many things out of school when he has time. Whitener’s life outside of being a principal involves doing things outdoors, such as yard work, gardening, hunting deer, and fishing. Whitener also has two kids that he loves to be around and spend quality time with. He especially enjoyed it when they were still in high school, and he could go to track meets to encourage them.

With Whitener close to retirement, he has thought about things he could finish and do. “I’ve thought about continuing to keep my first responder training up to date and working with the athletic teams in the area. I’ve also thought about working with ASU as a principal mentor,” said Principal Whitener.

Whitener is a very important part of Discovery High as principal, making all feel welcome and creating an environment where students are eager to learn.