Gene Jones speaks about being in his high school hall of fame. He will also be inducted into the Old School Legends Hall Of Fame in two weeks. Photo by Kalissa Everett.
Gene Jones is Riverside’s newest and oldest assistant principal.
Jones came to Durham from Norfolk, Virginia to move closer to family. He’s worked in education for 42 years.
In Virginia, Jones was a principal for 25 years. After retiring, he moved to North Carolina to “stay in the game.”
He doesn’t see much of a difference between the various schools he’s worked in.
“[Riverside] is a larger school,” he said. “The duties I’ve been assigned here I’ve been doing. It’s coming to the school and learning its culture, but not much of a difference.”
Jones was a big-time athlete as a student himself at Norfolk Catholic High School, where he ran track and played basketball. Jones ran the 100m, 200m, and anchor leg in the 4x200m relay. He was a state champion three years in a row in the 200m and is in his high school’s athletic hall of fame.
He was also an all-city and all-state shooting guard. Jones attended Boston University where he played basketball for legendary coach Rick Pitino, who went on to become the head coach of the Boston Celtics.
In a couple weeks Jones will be added to Old School Legends Hall Of Fame in Suffolk, Virginia.
He started his education career as a social studies teacher. He also coached track and basketball. Jones decided to become an administrator because he thought that he could help teachers and students succeed.
No matter what job he’s had, he said he always wants to get to know students so he can encourage, support, and help them reach their goals.
Jones came to Riverside because he heard good things about the school and what RHS has achieved. When he saw Riverside had an opening, he saw his opportunity and took it.
“It’s close to where I live,” he said, “and I thought it would be a good challenge to work with Dr. Woods-Weeks and Riverside.”
Before joining Riverside he was an assistant principal for 2 years at South Granville High School.
Jones said he became an AP after retiring in Virginia because he wants to keep working with kids.
“I want to help students improve, excel, and reach their goals, whether they go to a two or four-year school,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Gene Jones
Though he’s only been at Riverside for a few weeks, he likes what he’s seeing.
“I’m very impressed with the students, very caring staff, and the positivity,” he said. “I want to stay as long as I can.”
Jones is a big Philadelphia Eagles fan. He lived in the Philadelphia area for 3 years and worked at two different high schools.
“Go birds go!” he said. “Fly eagles fly!”
