By Frazier Jones

Staff Writer

    Following Calvin Freeman’s retirement as principal of R.J. Reynolds High School at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year, the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School Board approved Paul Pressly as Freeman’s successor. Pressly, who previously served as an Assistant Principal at RJR, provides a friendly face for students, and a great next step for RJR.

    Pressly attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and initially worked as an environmental consultant in Charlotte, NC. However, he left his cubicle in search of something more meaningful.

    “I didn’t really feel like I was making a difference,” Pressly said. “I always liked working with young people, so I decided to transition into teaching.”

    After earning his Masters from Gardner-Webb University in 2012, Pressly jumped around schools in the WS/FCS district before finding RJR in 2023. Since joining the RJR faculty, Pressly’s optimistic attitude has played a significant part in uplifting spirits during his tenure. During the events of last year’s budget crisis, Pressly’s empathetic and welcoming demeanor became a source of light around RJR. 

    “In the hallways, it’s fun to see him,” RJR sophomore Grace Holbrook said. “He’s very nice, and he’s funny. He makes everyone feel seen.”

    Students at RJR are not the only ones to notice Pressly’s quick impact. Kevin Spainhour, a WS/FCS area superintendent of secondary schools, said that, “Pressly brings positive energy and enthusiasm to the RJR school culture,” in a recent memo published by WS/FCS

    Upholding his reputation, Pressly works hard to make every student feel welcomed at RJR, and he strives to maintain meaningful relationships with them in order to improve the environment. To make a true impact on a student’s life, you must get to know them first, and whether it’s a smile in the hallway or a fist bump after school in the bus lot, Pressly acknowledges everyone.

    “[Having a connection with students] is probably one of the most important things,” Pressly said. “If you can call kids by name, make them feel welcome and that they belong, that’s where the change comes from.”

   This mindset has led Pressly to introduce a new tradition at RJR: “Reynolds Ready” t-shirts. The shirts, awarded to students who have exceeded the “Reynolds Ready” requirements, have already sparked a noticeable shift in student behavior. The program allows Pressly an opportunity to put the focus on students for what they’re doing well and encourage that, rather than calling them out on what they’re doing wrong.

    Many in the school community are excited about this new era at RJR, and Pressly notes the change in responsibility that this role brings. While he recognizes his past relationships with students, he understands the transition requires a stricter approach.

    “Kids knew me as kind of goofy and a little bit looser,” Pressly said. “ I can still have the same personality and just try to be a little more strict. The job is very similar, but everything that happens is on me now.”

    Though his sense of responsibilities may have changed, these first few months have shown RJR that Pressly’s upbeat nature is here to stay.  As the school year continues, students and staff alike will continue to put their best foot forward, and everyone knows if they ever need a joke to turn their day around, Principal Pressly is their guy!