CHARLOTTE — “I can assure you I’m always a Wildcat,” Principal Kevin O’Herron told 685 students and 65 faculty at the end of the Family Advent School Mass Dec. 19, his last all-school Mass as principal at St. Matthew School.
His goodbye speech marked the end of his tenure as the longest-serving principal in the Diocese of Charlotte’s schools system. O’Herron served as principal for 27 of the school’s 33-year history. Effective Jan. 1, he moved to a new position: assistant superintendent of schools for the diocese.
“It is funny when you listen to the Holy Spirit, because He doesn’t speak to you directly,” O’Herron said. “He doesn’t give you a phone call, but somehow that message got to me that it is time to do something different.”
Although O’Herron’s promotion to assistant superintendent was announced last August and the transition was imminent, it did not lessen the emotional impact of his last day. Students, alumni, staff, parents and community leaders all shared the same sentiment – the advancement is well-deserved, yet they will miss their long-time mentor and friend.
As Trish Hazel, the school’s secretary for 34 years, said, “I cried all throughout the Mass. I like everything about him. He is really good with his employees.”
Father Patrick Cahill, pastor of St. Matthew Parish, celebrated Mass as students served as lectors, read the intentions and sang the hymns.
After Mass, a tribute relived cherished memories of O’Herron demonstrating his Wildcat Spirit over the years: shaving his beard for No Shave November, surviving the annual egg drop, participating in the YMCA Valentine Fun Run, and being pounded by water balloons while riding his bike for the annual Boosterthon.
Those moments of costumes, field trips and fun made everyone smile and some shed a tear or two, but for O’Herron, the culmination means connection and community, which he knows will remain in place after his departure.
“As I look back on these 27 years, I am just really fortunate and really blessed that God placed me here,” O’Herron said. “Our time together was never random, never ordinary. We are links of a chain of St. Matthew. God didn’t bring us together by coincidence. We are meant to be connected in this place.”
Most faculty know O’Herron as a spiritual man whose few spoken words are filled with love and guidance.
Chris Felten, a counselor, recalled her two decades working with O’Herron.
“He has been the heartbeat of St. Matthew,” she said. “I can’t say how much he means to me. I’ve grown spiritually, professionally and personally under his supervision. He is a man of few words but impactful actions.”
O’Herron will be one of the three assistant superintendents, all of whom once served as principals.
Superintendent Greg Monroe said the move was an obvious choice: “It was a natural decision to ask him if he would be willing to help at the assistant superintendent level. This is really an internal promotion because O’Herron is the longest tenured principal who has served in our community, and after seeing all the good he has been accomplishing at St. Matthew, it was very evident that he can take that same skill set and help mature others in our schools across our system.”
Assistant Principal Suzanne Beasley will serve as interim principal while the search for a new leader just as committed to family, faith and service starts this spring.
“I have worked with Kevin for 13 years, so it is like losing half of myself. He is the best mentor anyone could ever have,” she said. “Kevin makes sure you have all the foundation and support that you need so you can fly when it is your turn.”
When O’Herron returned to his office, he was surprised by a long line of friends who showered him with congratulatory gifts. In addition, a special Wildcat surprise awaited him – his office was covered in wrapping paper, including his desk, chair and all the walls.
Before the half-school day ended, students participated in their final Wildcat clap-off to properly send their respected leader to his new role. Everyone lined the hallways, waving well-wish posters and extending hands for a last high five.
“Being part of St. Matthew has made me a better person, and I am forever grateful for the joy you have brought into my life. Now, God is calling me to grow in new ways, just as He calls you to grow grade to grade, year to year,” he said. “Thank you for being part of my story. Thank you for shaping my life and my vocation. Know that I should always carry you and this place in my heart and in my prayers, and I can assure you I am always a Wildcat.”
— Lisa M. Geraci. Photos and video by Troy C. Hull
