Hickory City Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jessica Anthony as the new principal of Viewmont Elementary School.
Dr. Anthony brings a wealth of educational experience to Hickory City Schools, having served as a high school Spanish teacher, assistant principal, and elementary school principal throughout her career. Most recently, she served as principal of Davenport A+ Elementary School, where she and her team increased student proficiency and growth across all academic areas while reestablishing the school's long-standing arts-integrated program. Through a focus on shared leadership, teacher empowerment, and student success, she helped cultivate a school culture where students could thrive both academically and creatively.
Prior to her principalship at Davenport A+, Dr. Anthony served as assistant principal at West Caldwell High School and taught Spanish for eight years. Her passion for language acquisition and connecting with families drew her to Viewmont Elementary and its Dual Language Program.
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"Dr. Anthony is an accomplished educator with a proven record of academic success, strong instructional leadership, and a deep commitment to building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families," said Dr. Jennifer Griffin, superintendent of Hickory City Schools. "Her experience leading an elementary school, her passion for empowering teachers, and her student-centered approach make her an excellent fit for Viewmont Elementary. We are excited to welcome her to Hickory City Schools and look forward to the positive impact she will have on the Viewmont community."
As she begins her role at Viewmont Elementary, Dr. Anthony is eager to become part of a school community known for its strong support system, engaged families, and commitment to student success. She said her leadership philosophy centers on empowering teachers and creating the conditions necessary for students to thrive.
"My top priorities begin and end with relationships. Relationships with teachers, students, parents, and community members. A school thrives when teachers are supported, parents are involved, and students are growing and learning," said Dr. Anthony.
Dr. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master of Arts in School Administration from Appalachian State University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.
Her professional accomplishments include being named the Northwest Region Principal of the Year for North Carolina in 2025, receiving the LifeChanger of the Year Award in 2023, graduating from the Education Policy Fellowship Program in 2026, and serving on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals' Association.
Outside of school, Dr. Anthony enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh, and their children, Ella, Brooks, and Clark. The family enjoys traveling together and visiting Major League Baseball stadiums across the country.
