Pemberton Township Schools select familiar face to lead high school

PEMBERTON TOWNSHIP — The Pemberton Township Board of Education has approved the hiring of a high school new principal.

Darvis Holley has been selected for the role. He has experience as an assistant principal at Pemberton Township Schools' Helen A. Fort and Marcus W. Newcomb middle schools between the years of 2014 to 2021.

For the past three years, Holley has served as the principal at the district's Fort Dix Elementary School, which was named as one of the Best Elementary Schools by U.S. News & World Report during his tenure.

Other achievements for Fort Dix Elementary School under his tenure include being named a Purple Star school by the New Jersey Department of Education, recertification as a National School of Character and being a recipient of a Promising Practice award for its commitment to character education.

A lifelong resident of Willingboro, Holley has been active in local government. He's served as thetown’s mayor, member of the planning board, zoning board, and commissioner of the MUA.

Holley was a 2017 fellow in the New Leaders Council-New Jersey, and is a former vice president and treasurer of theWillingboro & Vicinity Branch of the NAACP.

“I'm incredibly excited about the opportunity to serve as the new principal at Pemberton Township HighSchool," Holley said in a press release. "It's both an honor and a responsibility that I take seriously, and I'm eager to begin this journey with the staff, students, and community.

"PTHS has a rich history and strong sense of community, and I'm looking forward to building upon that foundation."

Holley received his doctorate in organization leadership from Stockton University. He holds amaster’s in school leadership from Wilmington University in Delaware, and a bachelor’sin special education from Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina.

“My primary focus will be on fostering a positive and inclusive school culture where every student feelssupported and empowered to achieve their full potential," Holley added.

Nick Butler is an impact reporter for the Courier Post, the Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times covering community news in South Jersey. Have any tips or stories? Reach out to NButler@Gannett.com. Subscribe to stay in the loop .

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Pemberton Township Schools select familiar face to lead high school