Empowering teachers and students for a brighter future

Steven Drye

As I approach the end of my first year as principal of East Mecklenburg High School, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect deeply on what makes this school so special. From the moment I stepped on campus, I’ve been inspired by East’s long-standing tradition of excellence, its diverse and dynamic student body, and the strong sense of community that lives on through its alumni. It has been a privilege to begin learning about the legacy you helped build—and to take part in carrying that legacy forward.

In many ways, coming to East feels like coming home. I’m a native Charlottean who grew up just a few miles from here off Shamrock Drive. I attended Villa Heights, Windsor Park, Eastway, and ultimately graduated from Garinger High School in 1986. My parents, who did not have the same opportunities, instilled in my sister and me a deep belief in the power of education—one that would lead her to become the first college graduate in our family, and ultimately led me to a lifelong career in public education.

While I didn’t set out to be an educator, I found myself drawn to work that allowed me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. After earning a Biology degree from UNC-Charlotte and spending a short time in law school, I found my true calling in the classroom. That journey eventually led me to school leadership, where I’ve spent the last two decades serving as principal at schools like Steele Creek Elementary, Elon Park Elementary, and Mint Hill Middle.

At each stop, my approach has remained grounded in two principles that I see fully alive at East: the power of relationships and the importance of collaborative, student-centered learning. What sets East Meck apart is its deep commitment to nurturing the whole student—mind, heart, and spirit. Our mission to create a safe, supportive environment where students plan, prepare, and expect to be successful aligns closely with my own beliefs about what schools should be. Whether it's through our strong academic programs, our focus on intercultural understanding, or our emphasis on developing compassionate, lifelong learners, East lives out its values every day.

Throughout this first year, I’ve worked to build meaningful connections—with students, families, teachers, and alumni—because I believe relationships are the foundation for any lasting impact. I’ve worked to be a visible leader who listens, learns, and leads alongside others. You’ll find me in classrooms, cheering on our athletes, asking students about their goals and passions, and working with staff to ensure that every East Meck graduate is prepared to thrive in the 21st century.

I know what it means to walk the halls of a school shaped by history and community pride. As only the eighth principal in East Mecklenburg’s 75-year history, I take seriously the responsibility of honoring its legacy while helping shape its future. I’m excited to continue this journey with all of you—building on a tradition of excellence, grounded in the values that make East Meck not just a school, but a family.