Susan Clonch Blackburn: Class of 1985
North Wilkes High School Alumni
Susan Clonch Blackburn
Susan Clonch Blackburn
Q: Year graduated from North Wilkes:
A: 1985
Q: List any education/degrees beyond high school:
A: Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Appalachian State University; Master of Arts in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University; Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gardner- Webb University.
A: Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Appalachian State University; Master of Arts in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University; Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gardner- Webb University.
Q: List Professional/Career Experience and why you chose your career path:
A: Education- Teacher, Principal, Director. I felt drawn to education. It was always my passion to help others be successful.
A: Education- Teacher, Principal, Director. I felt drawn to education. It was always my passion to help others be successful.
Q: If you could go back and give yourself advice as a high school student, what advice would you give and why. What advice would you give to high school students today?
A: The advice I would give myself is to have a growth mindset. Don’t give up on or avoid things you aren’t good at YET; Work harder, practice, and put in the work to become better. The advice I would give to students today is to find their passion, and work hard to make a career out of it. Become the best at it you can possibly be.
A: The advice I would give myself is to have a growth mindset. Don’t give up on or avoid things you aren’t good at YET; Work harder, practice, and put in the work to become better. The advice I would give to students today is to find their passion, and work hard to make a career out of it. Become the best at it you can possibly be.
Q: Do you have a special memory from your time at North?
A: My favorite memories are of singing in Northlanders with Mrs. Kickasola and performing at Spring Concerts
A: My favorite memories are of singing in Northlanders with Mrs. Kickasola and performing at Spring Concerts
Q: How has your NWHS education and experiences positively impacted your life?
A: If it had not been for my high school guidance counselor, I may not have completed my college applications. She helped me see my potential. I felt respected and loved by all of my teachers at North. I was blessed to have some of the best teachers around!!
A: If it had not been for my high school guidance counselor, I may not have completed my college applications. She helped me see my potential. I felt respected and loved by all of my teachers at North. I was blessed to have some of the best teachers around!!
Q: List any other achievements and honors received since graduation you would like to share
A: Becoming a Christian was the best and most important decision of my life. Success outside the will of God is failure. Take care of your eternal life first, then God will direct your earthly life.
A: Becoming a Christian was the best and most important decision of my life. Success outside the will of God is failure. Take care of your eternal life first, then God will direct your earthly life.
Q: Any additional information about family, career, etc you would like to share?
A: I have 3 children, Anna, Andrew, and Matthew. All three are in college. I have just retired from Wilkes County Schools as the Director for Pre-K and Elementary Education. I now work for Samaritan’s Purse in Donor Ministries.
A: I have 3 children, Anna, Andrew, and Matthew. All three are in college. I have just retired from Wilkes County Schools as the Director for Pre-K and Elementary Education. I now work for Samaritan’s Purse in Donor Ministries.