Meet Amy Gates, 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!

 

Meet Lucy Martin, Assistant Principal

Joined Team CCS - August 2013

Experience:
I have worked in Catawba County Schools since August 2013, starting my career at Sherrills Ford Elementary as a third-grade teacher. After obtaining my exceptional children’s license, I taught as an EC teacher for the next five years at Sherrills Ford as well. My next assignment brought me to Balls Creek Elementary to serve as their Academic Facilitator for two years. In 2023, I came back to Sherrills Ford Elementary to serve as the instructional support facilitator. In November 2024, I was appointed as the Assistant Principal at Sherrills Ford Elementary. 

Education:
B.A. Elementary Education, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
M.A. School Executive Leadership, Gardner-Webb University 

Favorite Teacher:
The most influential teacher in my educational journey has to be my second-grade teacher, Mrs. Sloop. She taught me that building strong relationships is the cornerstone of student success. Her ability to create an engaging and dynamic classroom environment made every day exciting and memorable. As a young student, I looked forward to coming to school, eager to see what surprises the day held.

Favorite Place in Catawba County:
My favorite place in Catawba County is undoubtedly Balls Creek Campground during the month of August. This historic site holds deep significance for the community, rich in tradition and deeply rooted in the county's heritage.

Favorite Activities:
I enjoy watching my kids play sports, spending time with my family, reading, and traveling as often as I can.

Something Unique About Me: 

I am a life-long resident of Catawba County and a graduate of Bandys High School. I also attended elementary school here at Sherrill Ford.

It is a true honor to have grown up in and now serve this exceptional community that I call home. As the new assistant principal, I am committed to building on our strong tradition of excellence at Sherrills Ford by fostering a supportive, collaborative environment that promotes student success. I look forward to continuing to create a safe, engaging, and enriching learning space for all our Sherrills Ford Tigers.