Johnston school board member Fred Bartholomew of Princeton has been named a Trailblazer by the N.C. Association of School Administrators. He is the former principal of Princeton School.

The Trailblazer award highlights school leadership and innovation and excellence in education in North Carolina’s public schools.

“Our awards program is an annual celebration of the best and brightest in North Carolina's public schools," said Bill McNeal, executive director of the Association of School Administrators.

Bartholomew was nominated by the N.C. Principals and Assistant Principals Association. He served the Johnston County schools for 30 years, retiring from Princeton School.

Bartholomew was chairman of the Johnston County Board of Education for five years. During that time, voters said 'yes' to almost $190 million in bond issues to build and renovate schools.

Also, Bartholomew has championed higher supplements for all teachers and signing bonuses for teachers of math, science and exceptional children.