Wilson’s Mills High Opens Doors To New 278,000-Square-Foot Campus

WILSON’S MILLS, N.C. — Johnston County Public Schools officially opened its newest high school Aug. 2, with a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony for Wilson’s Mills High School.

The 278,000-square-foot campus, which will accommodate up to 2,000 students in grades 9-12, becomes the 50th school in the Johnston County Public Schools system. Students will report for the first day of classes Aug. 24.

The ceremony brought together students, staff, families, school district officials, elected leaders and members of the Wilson’s Mills High Alumni Association.

JCPS Superintendent Dr. David Pearce led the ribbon-cutting before attendees moved inside the school’s 600-seat auditorium for a program.

Wilson’s Mills High Principal Chad Jewett thanked those involved in planning and building the school and recognized the faculty and staff who will serve its first students.

“I am not only blessed to serve the students and families in such a beautiful facility, but I am also blessed to serve alongside an amazing staff,” Jewett said.

Pearce said the three-story design is intended to provide additional classroom space while keeping academic areas connected.

“Wilson’s Mills High is a first of its kind in a long time, with a three-story design that provides abundant learning spaces while maintaining a connected centralized environment where students and staff can collaborate, learn, and grow together,” Pearce said.

The superintendent also recognized Johnston County voters who approved the 2022 school bond referendum, the Johnston County Board of Commissioners, the Friends of Johnston County Public Schools Bond Committee, the district’s Facilities and Construction team and the Wilson’s Mills High Alumni Association.

Other speakers included Johnston County Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews, Johnston County Board of Commissioners Chair Patrick Harris and Wilson’s Mills High Alumni Association President Aiden Lee. Dr. Sherrill Stevens offered a prayer during the program.

As part of Sunday’s event, the school’s media center was dedicated in honor of Herberta and Jim Uzzle.

Their son, Jim Uzzle, accepted a plaque on behalf of the family. He was joined by his sisters, Betsy Uzzle Meldau, Tucker Uzzle Twisdale and Jenny Uzzle Kitzmiller, along with other family members.

Following the ceremony, visitors toured the campus.

The school includes 11 science labs, a three-story academic wing, a two-story arts and athletics wing, an auxiliary gymnasium and other instructional spaces.

JCPS said the campus also includes multiple controlled-access points as part of the district’s school security measures.

The opening marks the return of a high school to the Wilson’s Mills community more than five decades after the former K-12 school graduated its final class in 1969.

The new school retains the Green Wave mascot used by the former Wilson’s Mills High School. Photographs of students and staff from the original school have also been incorporated into murals throughout the new building.

The district said Wilson’s Mills High is expected to help address enrollment growth and overcrowding in the central Johnston County area.

Jewett will lead the school with Assistant Principals Dr. Andres Restrepo and Brittany Weaver when students arrive Aug. 24 for the 2026-27 school year.