Carolyn Heller, Interim Principal
With over 40 years of experience in education, Mrs. Carolyn Heller brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her role as Interim Principal of West Carteret High School. Mrs. Heller’s long-standing connection to the Carteret County Public Schools community is evident through her extensive career at WCHS, where she served as Principal from 2007 to 2018, Assistant Principal from 2003 to 2007, and as an Exceptional Children’s teacher earlier in her career. She also led Newport Middle School as Principal from 2018 to 2020 before retiring. Mrs. Heller’s academic achievements include a master’s degree in school administration from East Carolina University, a master’s in curriculum and education from National-Louis University, a bachelor’s degree in education from Northern Illinois University, and an associate degree from Moraine Valley Community College. Known for her unwavering dedication to students, staff, and families, Mrs. Heller is passionate about fostering a positive and supportive school environment. Her leadership and deep ties to the WCHS community make her an invaluable asset during this transitional period. Mrs. Heller looks forward to working with the outstanding staff and faculty at West Carteret High School and continuing the tradition of excellence that defines the Patriot family.
Maegan Harrison, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Harrison has been passionate about working in education for as long as she can remember. She attended UNC-Wilmington as a Teaching Fellow, earning degrees in both English and Secondary Education. Over the next nine years, she taught English and AP Literature in various schools across Eastern North Carolina. Eventually, she and her husband settled in Craven County, where she taught at Havelock High School for three years while completing her Masters in School Administration at East Carolina University. Mrs. Harrison then served as the Assistant Principal of West Craven Middle School before transitioning back to the high school setting in Carteret County. After two years at Croatan High School, she is now eager to bring her experience and enthusiasm to West Carteret. Mrs. Harrison is excited to collaborate with a dedicated administrative team, outstanding teachers, motivated students, and an engaged community, and she looks forward to a successful year ahead. Her husband, Zach, is a Marine Biologist and serves as the Section Chief of Habitat and Enhancement at Marine Fisheries in Morehead City. Together with their children, Theodore and Hazel, they share a passion for all things related to saltwater. In her spare time, Mrs. Harrison enjoys volunteering, practicing yoga, home decorating, and cooking, as well as spending time on the water and supporting the Patriots.
Jake McAllister, Assistant Principal
With a wealth of experience and a profound dedication to education, Mr. McAllister joins us as an assistant principal at West Carteret High School. Mr. McAllister's educational journey showcases his commitment to lifelong learning. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in music education, as well as a master's degree in school administration from East Carolina University. His passion for nurturing student growth and development has been evident throughout his career, which spans from teaching to administrative roles, encompassing students from elementary to high school levels in Johnston County. In addition to his remarkable career in education, Mr. McAllister is a distinguished veteran, with over a decade of service in the North Carolina Army National Guard and the United States Army. His military experience includes serving in the 440th Army Band in Raleigh and fulfilling critical logistics and operations responsibilities as a noncommissioned officer with the Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, NC. Presently, he continues to exemplify his commitment to service as a United States Coast Guard Reserve officer, actively contributing to emergency management, southwest border operations, Covid response operations, and facility inspections. We at West Carteret are enthusiastic about having such an accomplished and devoted individual as an integral part of our school community.
John Suralik, Assistant Principal
Mr. John Suralik assumes the role of Assistant Principal at West Carteret High School, bringing a wealth of educational experience to our institution. His career has seen him serve as an Assistant Principal in Craven County at both Creekside Elementary and Havelock High School. Prior to his administrative roles, Mr. Suralik contributed significantly as a teacher and coach at Havelock High School and as an educator at Early College EAST. His dedication to education also extends to his work as a consultant for the National Writing Project, reflecting his passion for nurturing student growth and development. Mr. Suralik's academic journey culminated in the acquisition of both his Bachelor of Science and Master of School Administration degrees from East Carolina University, a testament to his commitment to professional growth and excellence in the field of education. West Carteret is grateful to have such a dedicated and caring administrator as a part of the Patriot Family.