Carrollton City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus (right) presented Dr. Trent North (left), 2026 Carrollton High School Distinguished Alumni award recipient, with an engraved commemorative tray following an induction presentation.
Dr. Trent North, a 1986 graduate of Carrollton High School known for his resiliency and kindness, has been named the 22nd recipient of the school’s Distinguished Alumni Award. North was honored April 23 during the 40th annual Academic Achievement Awards program at the Mabry Center for the Arts.
A proud Trojan alumnus, North’s family roots have been anchored in the Carrollton community for generations. Growing up in Thomas Homes and playing on local recreation league teams, North aspired to one day wear the varsity black-and-gold uniform. The power of camaraderie he witnessed among community members inspired a deep sense of civic duty. At home, the value of education was instilled in him from a young age, and he chose never to let circumstances define his potential.
As a student at Carrollton City Schools, he balanced his extracurricular involvement while maintaining active leadership among his peers. At CHS, he played football, basketball and track, fulfilling his childhood dreams while participating in student organizations. With genuine charisma and compassion, North was voted “Friendliest” in his senior class, along with other accolades, including being named an “Outstanding Senior.”
Many influential coaches and educators guided him through his years as a student at CCS, ensuring he was placed in the classes necessary to propel him forward and inspiring him to reach his full potential. Little did he know at the time, North would eventually make history for the district, becoming the first African American assistant principal in 1997.
Upon high school graduation, North studied at the University of West Georgia, where he earned his undergraduate degree in political science and a master’s degree in educational leadership. While at UWG, he also met his wife, Toya, who has consistently been a source of encouragement and support throughout their years of marriage in both his personal and professional spheres. North frequently notes that being a father and raising a family are his proudest achievements. His pursuit of higher education continued as he earned his specialist degree in leadership and curriculum from Lincoln Memorial University before returning to UWG to complete his doctorate in school improvement.
North began his career at CCS as a paraprofessional, gleaning wisdom from educators and developing a love for teaching before becoming a certified teacher and rising through the ranks. He later served as the principal of the new Carrollton Middle School from 2005 to 2011. Ultimately, he went on to hold district-level leadership positions and guide critical decisions surrounding community affairs, program compliance, human resources, and Race to the Top initiatives. North’s dedication has been instrumental in shaping the Carrollton of today.
Now, leading Douglas County Schools as superintendent, North carries forward his passion for education and serves his community through Rotary, Kiwanis Club, the Douglas County Chamber, and many other local organizations. Creating an impact at the state and national levels, North sits on advisory boards, works alongside governors, and even had the opportunity to meet President Barack Obama. In 2020, Carroll County honored North’s dedicated service by naming their recreational gym commemorating his lasting legacy.
Named the 2023 Georgia Superintendent of the Year, North serves as a dedicated advocate for other educators navigating their paths in the field. Just as community and school leaders once invested in his own development, he emphasizes a focus on putting students first and creating systems that strengthen their development and outcomes.
When announcing him as this year’s Distinguished Alumni, CCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus referred to North’s achievements and commitment to respect, advocacy and determination, noting “That same standard of excellence is what we strive to instill in our students here at Carrollton, and Dr. North continues to live that out.”
During his remarks after accepting the award, North challenged the students on the stage, who were being honored for their exceptional academic achievements, to consider the impact they can make with the knowledge and skills they have learned throughout their years at CCS.
“The greatest gift you will receive from Carrollton is not a piece of paper or a grade. The greatest gift you will receive is that you had an opportunity to learn and you took advantage of it. A grade is a snapshot. The mastery of knowledge and information is a superpower when you understand, when you know, and why, no one can take that form you.”
North closed with a few key pieces of advice.
“First, recognize the gifts you were born with, but never rely only on them. Second, you need ambition: you have to have hunger to turn those gifts into something that matters beyond yourself. If your gifts only serve you, then we’re not maximizing them. Third, win the right way, with your character and your integrity intact.”
North joins an impressive list of distinguished alumni who have been recognized through this initiative. Launched in 2012, the program to date has honored 18 other exceptional CHS graduates: Edith Foster, Class of 1922; Albert Jones and J. Stewart Martin, Class of 1930; J.Willis Hurst, Class of 1937; E.C. “Sonny” Bass, Class of 1938; Hollis Harris, Class of 1949; John H. Burson, Class of 1951; Richard M. Ingle, Class of 1964; D. Garvin Byrd, Class of 1969; Jane Crosson, Class of 1974; William Crosson, Class of 1976; Scott Deviney, Class of 1989; James C. Pope, Class of 1962; Shereta Williams, Class of 1992; Jim Borders, Class of 1979, Eric D. Cole, Class of 1994; Mark Parkman, Class of 1983; Antoine Poythress, Class of 1987, and Jeff Jennings, Class of 1979. This slate includes the induction of two honorary alumni, W.W. Fitts, who was a founding member of the Carrollton Board of Education, and Tom Upchurch, former Carrollton City Schools superintendent and lifelong educator, who not only made a significant impact in education at home in Carrollton but across the state of Georgia.
