Sonja Parks receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine

At the Davidson County Commissioners meeting on Monday, December 12, Senator Steve Jarvis presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award to retired Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sonja Parks. Parks has devoted 32 years of her life to education with a heavy focus on ensuring that all students have the opportunity to receive a quality education and that students graduate high school, college or career-ready with the skills they need to succeed in today’s world.

Parks was nominated by her peers for the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the highest honors granted by the governor of North Carolina. The award is bestowed upon individuals who have displayed exemplary service to their North Carolina communities and to the state as a whole, and Parks was nominated for her dedication to public education, her regional and statewide advocacy for educators and students.

Parks’ service in education began as an elementary teacher in Davidson County Schools. She also served as a K-12 Beginning Teacher Coordinator, administrator and the Director of Elementary Education/Title I/AIG for Davidson County Schools. She spent the past 8 years as the Assistant Superintendent in Rockingham County Schools.

Parks has spent her time as Assistant Superintendent supporting educators and the students they serve in Rockingham County through her leadership on the N.C. Association of Supervisors of Curriculum & Instruction (ACSD) Board. Parks also serves as an adjunct professor at Appalachian State University and will continue to work with the doctoral program to prepare educators for district leadership.

She has a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from High Point University, Master’s Degree in school administration from UNC Charlotte, and a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from Appalachian State University.

After retirement Parks will continue to serve and support school districts across the state. Dr. Parks will be the Director of District Support for NC Peak Education. NC Peak exists to support schools and districts in their commitment to continuous improvement as they seek excellence in teaching, leading, and learning. Parks will also serve as an advisor to Johnson Controls, Inc.

Sonja and her husband, Lee and son, Aiden reside in Lexington. Austin graduated with his masters in Urban and Community Planning from Virginia Tech and lives and works in Henderson County.