Meet Lathan Fowler, Principal

Joined Team CCS - July 2013

Experience 
I have worked in public education for 14 years in two different districts. I had the opportunity to teach K-5 and coach high school basketball.

Favorite Teacher  
My 10th grade English teacher, Deborah Cornwell, influenced my decision to become a teacher. She believed in me from the moment she met me. She always encouraged me to be more than what I thought I could be. As an educator, I hope that I can have the impact on at least one student that Ms. Cornwell had on me. 

Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is Lake Norman.

Favorite Activities
I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and playing golf. 

Something Unique About Me
I have red hair and blue eyes. This is the rarest hair and eye color combination in the world.

I joined CCS because it gave me the best opportunity to work with students, teachers, parents, and communities. 

Meet Amy Gates, Assistant Principal

Joined Team CCS - August 2008

Experience 
I have worked in Catawba County Schools since August 2008, starting my career as the computer teacher for students in grades K-Sixth at Startown Elementary. After obtaining my lateral entry license, I taught fifth grade ELA at Startown Elementary for two years. My next teaching assignment brought me to Mountain View Elementary School to teach sixth grade math. In December 2015, I was appointed as the Assistant Principal at Sherrills Ford Elementary. 

Education 
B.A. Communication, North Carolina State University
M.A. School Executive Leadership, Gardner-Webb University 

Favorite Teacher  
The most influential adult in my path to education is absolutely my second grade teacher, Mrs. Jane Bumgarner. She taught me that relationships are the number one factor in student success. She was a master of engagement in a classroom, and as a young student, you were excited to come to school each day to find out what the day would bring. You could often find her dressed up as Viola Swamp or dancing to a silly song. When she sent me a postcard from her family vacation in Mexico, I was over the moon. She is my ultimate teacher role model, and she made me feel as loved as her own child. 

Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is downtown Hickory on a summer Saturday morning. I love taking my kids to the Farmers' Market and doing some shopping as a family. 

Favorite Activities
I enjoy tailgating at football games and playing in the backyard with my kids.

Something Unique About Me
My husband, Blake, and I both attended elementary, middle, high school in CCS together and then went to college at NC State together!
 

Catawba County Schools had a tremendous impact on me as a student. I loved my friends, teachers, and the activities that I was involved in. As an adult, I was excited to join the CCS community of educators who get the opportunity to come to work each day creating memories for their students while helping them achieve their greatest potential.