Charlotte Welcomes Young and Dynamic Principal Kenneth Gorham
In the vibrant city of Charlotte, N.C., an inspiring story is unfolding at Movement Freedom Middle School. It’s the third year for Kenneth Gorham, the school’s principal, who has made quite a splash since stepping into his role as the youngest principal in the school’s history. Walking down the bustling hallways adorned with colorful college banners, Gorham reflects on his mission: “The biggest thing is that kids are in a space of learning,” he shares with a warm smile.
A Leader of Leaders
Gorham’s focus goes beyond just managing the school; he’s passionate about creating a culture of leadership among both his students and teachers. “Now I’m just so heavy on developing other leaders and other people because to me that’s the testament of a great leader,” he explains. This viewpoint isn’t just theoretical; it stems from his own experiences and the challenges he faced growing up.
A Journey from the Courtroom to the Classroom
Gorham’s path into education is unique. Originally aspiring to be a lawyer due to past custody battles during his childhood, his perspective shifted when he recognized a need for positive influence in the education sector. “I wanted to go to law school because I went through a lot of custody battles and things like that as a young child and I was in and out of different homes,” he recalls. A notable moment came from a judge who told him, ‘These children have been through enough.’ That insight led Gorham to make an impactful choice to follow in the footsteps of educators instead.
With the encouragement of his mother, who always told him to pray for guidance in making good decisions, Gorham shifted his focus. He became involved with Teach for America and eventually found his home at Movement Freedom Middle School.
Praise from Students
The impact Gorham has had on his students is undeniable. Lilah Cleaton, an eighth-grader, describes him as a cheerleader, always ready to uplift and motivate students and staff alike. “When we do things good, he’s always there pushing us,” she says, her enthusiasm clear. Her classmate, Jayden Anderson, echoes that sentiment, calling Gorham a “good man” who “holds everybody accountable” and regularly provides helpful feedback to teachers.
A Message of Dreams and Possibilities
Perhaps the most empowering part of Gorham’s leadership is his daily message to his students: believe in your dreams. “You can do and achieve so many things. It’s just about the mindset and the ability to have faith,” he emphasizes passionately. This encouragement seems to resonate deeply with students, inspiring them to reach for their goals.
A New Chapter on Reality Television
In a surprising twist to his story, Gorham recently gained added recognition by appearing on season six of Netflix’s Love is Blind, which was filmed in Charlotte. While the show focuses on singles trying to find love without meeting face-to-face at the beginning, Gorham took the opportunity to shine a light on the world of education. “The thing that I will take away, and that I’m appreciative of from that experience, is that people are able to see and bring more awareness to the field of education,” he states.
The Power of Partnerships
Gorham’s new platform has allowed him to forge partnerships that benefit his fellow educators and students, continuing his mission of fostering a positive learning environment. The work he’s doing is a testament to his commitment towards making a difference in education, one student at a time.
In Conclusion
With Kenneth Gorham at the helm, Movement Freedom Middle School is not just a place of learning; it’s a thriving community where dreams are nurtured and futures are built. As Gorham continues to embrace the challenges and joys of leading a school, there’s no doubt he will leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of his students.
