Three years into my tenure as principal at Carson High School, I eagerly joined a professional development program alongside leaders from across the state. Excited for the learning opportunity and the chance to connect with peers, I looked forward to the experience.
Months later, as the day of our first meeting approached, it coincided with another internal commitment. Though I hadn’t yet discussed the program with my Superintendent, I knew her stance on such matters. She trusted her principals to make decisions autonomously and valued the power of professional growth for school leaders.
Despite this, I felt a pang of apprehension. Would she prioritize the internal meeting over my attendance at the program’s kickoff? I sent her a text, unsure of her response. While I can’t recall my exact words that morning, her reply remains etched in my memory:
“Go. Be great.”
In those three simple words, she not only granted me permission to attend but also encouraged me to excel. It was her implicit expectation for all her principals—to strive for greatness and continuously pursue growth.
Today, I urge you to embrace two principles:
- Go. Be Great.
- Foster the same autonomy and self-belief in your team that my Superintendent instilled in me.
True leadership lies not in our individual achievements but in unlocking the potential greatness within others, for the benefit of our communities.
#ChooseToBeGreat
Angelo
Published by Angelo DelliSanti
“Education? You don’t want to do that with your life. You’ve got other plans.” That’s what Angelo DelliSanti’s high school counselor told him his senior year. And she was right—at first. Angelo had spent three years preparing to become a U.S. Navy officer. But an internship with a math teacher during his senior year changed everything. Helping struggling students master algebra sparked a passion for education that would shape his career.
Over the next 15 years, Angelo served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, returning to his alma mater to teach World History and later advancing to leadership roles. As a principal, Angelo implemented the Capturing Kids’ Hearts process, leading to remarkable academic gains, increased scholarships, record-breaking graduation rates, and improved school culture. These achievements earned him recognition as the Rowan-Salisbury Schools Principal of the Year in 2018.
In 2022, Angelo joined Capturing Kids’ Hearts as a Leadership Solutions Strategist where he is dedicated to working together with school leaders to create remarkable schools. He holds a Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from UNC Charlotte, where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He also completed a Master’s in School Administration and completed all the required coursework for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from his alma mater, earning the Outstanding Student Philip Morris Educational Fellowship in 2017.
Angelo lives in North Carolina with his wife, Kasey, whom he married in 2008. Together, they enjoy escapes to the mountains and beaches. Angelo’s passions include golf, non-fiction books, cooking, and sharing meals filled with laughter and connection around the table.
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CHOOSE TO BE GREAT 