It’s not unusual to see Jeff Wallace, Davie County’s Superintendent, walking the halls of the various schools in the district. These walkthroughs are a standard part of the job, but the morning of Monday, April 14, was anything but typical—this was Wallace’s final walkthrough of the campus ahead of his scheduled retirement at the end of the school year, and Davie High’s principal, Michael Pruitt, knew it had to be special.
As 10 a.m. approached, students around campus began walking the halls, sneaking down to the front of the school along with their teachers to line the walls from the front doors through the cafeteria and the tower in preparation for the superintendent’s exit. As Wallace rounded the corner from one end of the tower to the building’s main hallway, he spotted the edge of a human tunnel full of students. As he moved closer to the group, he was soon greeted by applause and cheers that cascaded down the line and echoed throughout the building as the superintendent made his final walk through Davie High.
Jeff Wallace has worked in public education for thirty-two years, and six of those years have been spent as Superintendent of Davie County Schools, a position he acquired in 2019. Though he spent a number of years as both a teacher and administrator in Yadkin County Schools, his journey to this moment began with his arrival in Davie County in 2008 to take on the role of principal at Davie High, a position he held until 2012.
“I made a commitment to the staff and students that we would make Davie County High School a special place if we all worked together, and we did it,” Wallace said.
Wallace’s announcement of his retirement on January 7 of this year triggered an outpouring of support on social media for the outgoing superintendent. Comments upon comments on the district’s post reinforced what many community members already knew to be true: Jeff Wallace has done a great deal for the youth in this community, especially through his leadership during the challenges of COVID-19.
With all of this kept close in mind, Pruitt pondered along with members of the Board of Education and Davie High’s School Improvement Team to search for ways to honor Wallace’s departure from his position, and what better way than to organize a “tunnel of love” with the classes of students who have grown up under Wallace’s leadership.
“When I found out that Mr. Wallace would be visiting one more time before his retirement, I wanted to do something to mark the occasion,” Pruitt said.
In terms of how students and staff created the display, Pruitt was far from disappointed, especially considering the short notice that staff and students were provided.
“I was thrilled for Mr. Wallace that he was getting that moment of recognition,” Pruitt said. “As a Superintendent, it’s easy to forget the impact you’ve had on people. “I was happy to see him getting some of the positive impact he’s made on our school, community, and students. I could tell he was embarrassed, but he was humbled and his heart seemed full.”
Walking back through the halls of Davie High was quite a meaningful experience for Wallace, one that offered him a moment to reflect. “Davie County High School has a special place in my heart; it means a lot to me, and it will after retirement,” Wallace said. Following his final walkthrough Davie High, Wallace was overwhelmed with “heart-wrenching emotions” at the display that the community put together. “I was blown away and totally surprised,” said Wallace. “To receive the response I did was special, especially knowing this is where it all started for me in Davie County.”
Jeff Wallace has continuously set the stage for the educational success of Davie County’s youth, whether they be seniors in high school bound for the graduation stage or children heading into elementary school for the first time. His lasting impact has been evident in the way he has handled various challenging situations, his dedication to excellence for students and staff, and his sustained efforts to give a voice and offer continuous hope to those who might not feel they have one.
His impact can also be seen across staff members throughout the community. Davie High physics teacher Jeff McCandless made a parting gift for Wallace—an intricate pen crafted from wood from a picture frame that was featured at Davie High’s old campus, to serve as a memento for Wallace to carry into his retirement, reminding him of the far-reaching impact he has had on Davie County.
“My hope for our next Superintendent is that they understand what makes Davie a special place and works with us to continue to improve the culture and initiatives that have grown under Mr. Wallace and his team,” Pruitt said, when asked about his hopes regarding Wallace’s successor. His service has certainly not gone unnoticed, and he leaves these words for whomever takes his place as superintendent following his retirement: “Listen, listen, and listen. Be present, visible, and engaged. Davie County and Davie County Schools has a lot of pride and expectations to perform.”
