Fayetteville, N.C. — Cumberland County Schools has named Sandra Barefoot as 2008 Wachovia/Cumberland County Principal of the Year.

Barefoot, a product of Cumberland County public schools, is principal of Cumberland Road Elementary School. She has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and reading from East Carolina University and a master’s degree in school administration from Fayetteville State University.

“My love for children motivates me daily," Barefoot said in a statement. "The fulfillment I get when I know I have touched a child’s life is immeasurable.”

The school has used math and literacy coaches to help economically disadvantaged students learn, and teachers have students set their own goals in special notebooks, she said. The school also uses high school juniors and seniors as mentors and in-school and after-school tutors.

Barefoot received $200 from Wachovia Corp., another $200, an LCD projector, a trophy and flowers from the school district, a one-year car lease from Lafayette Ford and a commemorative Principal of the Year ring from Jostens. She will compete for regional Principal of the Year in February.