Carolina High principal honored as “Hero Next Door”

Michael Delaney ’09, principal of Carolina High School and Academy, was recognized last week by Greenville Forward as one of four recipients of the Heroes Next Door Award. This is the sixth year that Greenville Forward has presented the awards to recognize people who selflessly devote time and energy to making Greenville a better place to live.

Delaney has served at Carolina High and Academy for more than 11 years, beginning as a math teacher and currently serving as principal. He serves students tirelessly, welcoming them to school each morning, building partnerships in the neighborhoods and creating a culture of learning in the school.

Ted Hendry, president of United Way of Greenville County, introduced Delaney during the ceremony. “Mr. Delaney inspired the 100 Black Men of Upstate South Carolina to initiate a mentoring program at Carolina. These great volunteers are mentoring 27 young men selected by Mr. Delaney and his staff. He is, quite frankly, a hero, and it was United Way’s privilege to nominate him for this great award.”

Hendry continued, “Students at Carolina often experience barriers not known—or even imagined—by most of us. His passion for their success is inspiring to students, to faculty, and to those of us who have had the opportunity to work and to see and to experience his drive for changing the odds for students who have the great fortune to attend Carolina high and Academy under his leadership.”

Delaney earned a bachelor’s degree from USC Upstate and a master’s degree in school leadership from Furman University.