Surry County Schools is pleased to announce that Mr. Joseph “Joey” Hearl has been named the new principal of East Surry High School. He will officially begin his leadership role on June 1, 2025.
Mr. Hearl brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to student success, with nearly three decades in public education. He currently serves in Elkin City Schools, where he teaches middle school health science and career exploration courses, oversees athletics as Athletic Director, and coaches multiple sports. He was recently honored as Elkin Middle School’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Hearl served as a principal in both Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and Mount Airy City Schools. During his time at the Early/Middle College of Forsyth and Meadowlark Middle School, his schools consistently exceeded expected growth and earned A or B grades on the North Carolina School Report Card. He was also a semifinalist for District Principal of the Year and served as President of the WSFCS Principals’ Advisory Council.
From 2008 to 2012, Mr. Hearl led Mount Airy Middle School, where he was named the 2009–2010 Wachovia Principal of the Year. Earlier in his career, he served as an assistant principal, teacher, coach, and adjunct college faculty member, demonstrating his passion for education at all levels.
Mr. Hearl holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Longwood College, a Master of Education in Business and Marketing Education from Lynchburg College, and an Educational Administration Licensure from Longwood University. He is certified in Administration and Supervision, Business and Marketing Education, and as a Career Development Coordinator.
Superintendent Dr. Travis L. Reeves shared, “We are excited to welcome Mr. Joey Hearl back to Surry County Schools and to East Surry High School. His impressive background in instructional leadership, career and technical education, and student engagement—combined with his coaching experience and dedication to athletics—make him a perfect fit for East Surry. Mr. Hearl is a respected educator and proven leader, and I am confident that the East Surry community will benefit greatly from his leadership.”
Mr. Hearl added, “I am truly excited to become a part of this incredible school and community. East Surry High School has a tradition of excellence in both academics and athletics. I am eager to start working with the faculty and staff of the school. The Pilot Mountain community is very passionate and supportive of the school. Working together, we will continue to foster an environment where students are able to grow and succeed. I can't wait to become a Cardinal!"