RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Two educators were honored for their work in the Wake County Public School System.
Dr. Roxann Sykes of Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary was named the 2026-27 Principal of the Year. Xavier Wallace-McGrew of South Garner High was named 2026-27 Assistant Principal of the Year.
Principal of the Year: Dr. Roxann Sykes, Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary
Dr. Roxann Sykes (photo courtesy Wake County Public School System)
Dr. Roxann Sykes has two decades of experience in the Wake County Public School System. She has served as the principal of Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary since 2019.
Prior to this role, she served as an assistant principal at Washington Magnet Elementary, and was named the 2018-19 WCPSS Assistant Principal of the Year. She also served as a principal intern at Fuquay-Varina Elementary, site coordinator at Communities Organizing to Nurture and Celebrate East Raleigh Talent (CONCERT), and kindergarten through third grade teacher at Bugg Magnet Elementary.
According to a release, Sykes’ career reflects a consistent focus on developing people, strengthening instruction, and creating schools where students and families feel connected to learning.
Since becoming principal, Sykes has led Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary through its transformation from a traditional elementary school into a Pre-K-5 Spanish Immersion magnet school serving approximately 650 students. She has helped the school move out of low-performing status, and every student group met growth expectations last school year.
“I am most proud of transitioning Dillard Drive into a thriving magnet school with the programs we have today. The joy that I see in the classrooms is largely because of our magnet theme, and I’m super proud of being able to lead that transition,” said Sykes.
Dillard Drive students are not only excelling academically. They had a seven point percentage increase in math proficiency on 2026 end-of-grade tests, while families are also becoming more active members of the school community.
Dillard Drive’s community represents more than 55 countries and speaks more than 35 languages. This diversity is intentionally incorporated into the school’s global studies curriculum and culture. After families asked for more opportunities to see learning firsthand, the school expanded daytime showcases and other engagement opportunities, which helped to contribute to a significant increase in participation in schoolwide family events over two years. Sykes also helped build a previously limited PTA into a fully functioning organization with a board and budget to support student and school needs.
“Last year, every single student group met or exceeded growth and we’ve had the largest gains in proficiency since I became a principal,” said Sykes. “One thing we do really well here at Dillard is trying to make sure that student voice is sought after and considered when making decisions about instruction and about our programming. I’m willing and open so that students can see themselves being heard, appreciated, and honored in their classroom.”
As part of her naming, Sykes received:
- An engraved award,
- A $1,000 monetary award for their school, compliments of Strawbridge Studios,
- A check for $1,000, compliments of our sponsors,
- An overnight stay for two at the Umstead Hotel and Spa, with complimentary breakfast at Heron’s Restaurant,
- Two club-level Carolina Hurricanes tickets and a parking pass, compliments of Pierce Group Benefits, valued at $500,
- A Chromebook, compliments of Lenovo,
- A Carolina Hurricanes hockey stick signed by Shayne Gostisbehere, compliments of the Carolina Hurricanes,
- A round of golf for four, compliments of Hastentree Country Club,
- A $150 gift card to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, compliments of Strawbridge Studios,
- A $100 Visa gift card, compliments of Lifetouch Studios,
- A $100 Amazon gift card, compliments of Strawbridge Studios,
- A $60 gift card to the Angus Barn, compliments of Angus Barn and our corporate sponsors,
- A gift bag from Stone Creek Village Chick-fil-A, valued at $50,
- A North Face backpack with WCPSS embroidery, compliments of Johnson & Lambe, and
- A gift bag from Advance Community Health.
Sykes was named a finalist for the 2025-26 WCPSS Principal of the Year and was the 2025-26 WCPSS Magnet School Principal of the Year. Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary received the Magnet School of Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025 from Magnet Schools of America under her leadership.
Sykes holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from High Point University, Master of School Administration from UNC Chapel Hill, a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Shaw University, and is National Board Certified. Her influence now extends beyond Dillard through her work as an adjunct professor in North Carolina Central University’s Master of School Administration program, where she helps prepare aspiring school leaders.
Assistant Principal of the Year: Xavier Wallace-McGrew, South Garner High
Xavier Wallace-McGrew has worked as an educator for more than a decade and has served as assistant principal at South Garner High since 2019.
Xavier Wallace-McGrew (photo courtesy Wake County Public School System)
Wallace-McGrew began his career as a second grade teacher before progressing through leadership roles as a principal intern, dean of students, and assistant principal in Durham County.
His leadership is grounded in building authentic relationships with students, staff, and families while maintaining high expectations for teaching, learning, and school culture.
Wallace-McGrew makes being present an intentional part of his leadership, from visiting classrooms and connecting with students in the hallways to attending athletic events, performances, cultural celebrations, and awards ceremonies. He believes these interactions build the trust and mutual respect necessary to help students and educators grow.
As an elementary teacher, Wallace-McGrew learned early on the value of bringing zeal to work every day.
“I want to meet every student, every staff member, every stakeholder, community member with positivity and good energy so that they know that they are important and they are a valued member of the community,” said Wallace-McGrew.
Throughout his tenure at South Garner High, Wallace-McGrew has provided instructional leadership across a wide range of departments, including English, Social Studies, Career and Technical Education, ESL, World Languages, Arts, and Health and PE. He works alongside teachers and Professional Learning Communities to strengthen instruction through collaborative planning, culturally relevant learning experiences, formative assessment, small-group instruction, and differentiated support.
During Wallace-McGrew’s tenure at South Garner High, the school has seen significant academic growth. During 2025-26, the school saw 97% of students exceed growth. But Wallace-McGrew still has his sights set on higher expectations.
“What I’m most looking forward to is the opportunity for us to get over the hump from being a C school to becoming a B school,” said Wallace-McGrew. “I want to make sure that our students are well equipped to enter the real world and be strong, productive citizens.”
Wallace-McGrew earned both his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Master of School Administration (MSA) from North Carolina Central University, graduating summa cum laude from the MSA program.
As part of his naming, Wallace-McGrew received:
- An engraved award,
- A check for $500, compliments of our sponsors,
- Two club-level Carolina Hurricanes tickets and a parking pass, compliments of Pierce Group Benefits, valued at $500,
- A Chromebook, compliments of Lenovo,
- A Carolina Hurricanes hockey stick personally signed by Alexander Nikishin, compliments of the Carolina Hurricanes,
- A $150 gift card to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, compliments of Strawbridge Studios,
- A $100 Visa gift card, compliments of Lifetouch Studios,
- A $100 Amazon gift card, compliments of Strawbridge Studios,
- A $60 gift card to the Angus Barn, compliments of Angus Barn and our corporate sponsors,
- A gift bag from Stone Creek Village Chick-fil-A, valued at $50,
- A North Face backpack with WCPSS embroidery, compliments of Johnson & Lambe, and
- A gift bag from Advance Community Health.