Carolyn Faucette taught and inspired countless students
Feb. 23—HENDERSON — Following a career in education that spanned more than 40 years as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in both Vance and Warren counties, Carolyn Faucette was by all accounts one of the most beloved and respected — the greatest of all time, some would say.
Although she tried to retire a total of three times over the years, Faucette did so for good in 2019. Warren County asked her come back last year but Faucette said she could not accept the offer.
Born and raised in Fuquay, Faucette said she always wanted to be a teacher after meeting the late Willie Catherine High, who inspired her to do so. Faucette came to Vance County in 1964 after graduating from St. Augustine University and would teach at the Henderson Institute for five years.
Faucette then moved on to Henderson High School where she taught from 1969-72, before serving as assistant principal at Northern Vance and principal at Warren County High School. She also earned two master's degrees, one from NC Central and another from NC State.
For the past 20 years now, she's lived alone in a nice brick home nearby Henderson Country Club. Surrounded by an immaculate landscape with a well-manicured lawn, trees and bushes, shrubs and flowers — and complete with a backyard sitting area and adjacent sunroom — it is one of her favorite places to be.
"The key is to make sure you're ready to retire, mentally, physically and financially," Faucette said sitting outside on a comfortable seat in her backyard on a warm winter day — along with one of her favorite students from Northern Vance High School going back to 1998 when she taught English.
CJ Turrentine, 40, the student she had in 1998 and who was sitting next to her that warm winter day, said he initially feared her, out of reverence of her time in education. But after graduating and interacting with her, he saw that all she ever wanted was for her students to be great.
"For that she will always hold a special place in my heart," Turrentine said. "I would always hear stories about Mrs. Faucette and her being so stern. When I had her as a teacher for English 3, she immediately told me in my very first interaction with her that she would have the pleasure of retaining me, and then called both my parents and explain to them why she did so.
"Ever since then I knew she wasn't playing," Turrentine continued — "and I knew I had to pass her class in order to graduate on time. Fast forward to my adult life and she is still a dear friend that I talk with regularly. I realize more now that she really cared the entire time and saw us as being great a lot of times before we could see ourselves as such."
Tonya Hall (formerly Carter) had Faucette for English at Northern Vance High School as well.
"Mrs. Faucette was a much-respected teacher by all who encountered her," Hall said. "We knew that she took her job seriously. She wanted every student to do their best; and once we got to know her, we knew that she had our best interest at heart.
"I am reminded of the time that she scared us all into thinking that if we didn't pass our end of grade test that we would have to repeat our grade," Hall continued. "Well, let's just say it worked. I will always remember Mrs. Faucette as the most caring and industrious person I know. I consider it a privilege to have been taught by one of the greatest in Vance County."
Hassan Kingsberry worked as a social studies teacher when Faucette was a teacher and administrator at Warren County High School. Now the Wake Forest town attorney, Kingsberry said, "When she comes to mind, I think tough, but all heart.
"She cared deeply for young people: the kids and young staff, like myself," Kingsberry said. "But she did not play and would push you to be and do the best. You could take it the wrong way, until you knew and felt her heart. She is an example of how living with conviction, courage and principles breeds longevity. I salute her."
For her part, and by way of explaining her teaching philosophy, Faucette said, "You can't be afraid of the children. You have to build relationships. You don't need to tell students what to do, just what you expect. I love children and we just got along. You've got to get into a child's head, understand them and have mutual respect."
Faucette said she was also big on rewarding teachers and students, always looking for a motivation to show your appreciation.
But ultimately the best part of her job was planting a seed in the minds of her students. "You've got to plant a seed, nurture it and watch it grow," she said. "I prayed for this young man," Faucette said of Turrentine.
Clearly fond of her former student, Faucette said she wouldn't have agreed to a request to be interviewed for a newspaper story from just anybody.
"CJ did what he was supposed to do," Faucette said, clearly proud of the man he's become.
