This award is presented annually from nominations received from member schools. The award is given by the NCHSAA, with the support of the North Carolina Coaches’ Association and the North Carolina Athletic Directors’ Association. In addition to a trophy and a banner for display, the school receives a $1,000 cash award. The Exemplary School Award recognizes the top overall school in the state in terms of the “total program,” including but not limited to athletic success, the scope of athletic opportunities offered, facilities, community interest and involvement, academics, and the like. 

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association is pleased to announce the selection of West Brunswick High School as the 2023-2024 Exemplary School Award winner.

Located in Shallotte, West Brunswick, is a 3A school and is part of the Mideastern 3A/4A conference and  Brunswick County Schools district. The Trojans boast a National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) School Honor Role Level 3 distinction. In earning Level 3 status, more than 90 percent of the coaches at West Brunswick High School completed the following required courses in the NFHS Learning Center: “Sportsmanship,” “Strength and Conditioning,” “Teaching and Modeling Behavior,” “Engaging Effectively with Parents” and “Bullying, Hazing, and Inappropriate Behaviors.”

The Trojans also regularly participate in the NCHSAA Commissioner’s Trophy Award and Performance of the Week Award programs. The West Brunswick administration has demonstrated a commitment to advanced certifications, as evidenced by two administrators being CAA certified and one with CMAA certification.