Adrien Porter is in his third year as principal of Forest Hills High School. Mr. Porter previously served as principal of Union County Early College and has dedicated 23 years to education, all within Union County Public Schools. Prior to leading UCEC, he served as a business teacher and assistant principal at Forest Hills High School and was also the site administrator for the pilot program at Union County Technical Academy. As a classroom teacher, Mr. Porter was honored as Teacher of the Year at Forest Hills High School and named a CTE Unsung Hero. As an administrator, he has led numerous initiatives that positively impacted teaching, learning, and student success.
Mr. Porter’s academic background includes a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science degree in business education from South Carolina State University. While at SCSU, he was actively involved as a member of Student Government, the SCSU Cheerleading Team, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Mr. Porter is a proud Buffalo Bills fan who enjoys wings with blue cheese dressing. In his free time, he loves spending time with his incredible wife, Akimme, and their four beautiful daughters—Kadrian, Adynne, Kalynne, and Adalynne.
As principal, Mr. Porter is committed to building a culture of pride, purpose, persistence and respect through The Jacket Way, ensuring that every student at Forest Hills High School reaches their fullest potential in the classroom and beyond.
Mrs. Kelly Blakney is a seasoned educator with 26 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and administrator. For the past 12 years, she has been a dedicated member of the Forest Hills High School leadership team, serving as assistant principal and championing student success through equity, empathy, and high expectations.
Originally from Houston, Texas, Mrs. Blakney earned her bachelor's degree in exercise science with a minor in psychology from Coker University, where she also competed in collegiate softball and volleyball. She holds a master's in sports medicine from the United States Sports Academy and a second master's in education administration and supervision from the University of Phoenix.
Her educational philosophy centers on the belief that every child deserves an equal opportunity to succeed. Whether she's supporting teachers, guiding students, or building relationships with families, Mrs. Blakney leads with heart and purpose.
Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, arts and crafts, watching sports, collecting inspirational quotes, and watching movies. She’s a proud wife to Felix and mom to two wonderful kids—Taylor, a student at Parkwood High School, and Ciara, who attends Weddington High School—as well as Max, their spirited Malti-poo.
Mrs. Blakney’s blend of professional expertise and personal warmth makes her a trusted leader and a beloved presence at Forest Hills High School.
I am excited for the opportunity to help lead Forest Hills High School as an Assistant Principal. I will be entering my 14th year in education and my 9th at Forest Hills High. I am a native of Polkton, NC and have been in this area most of my life.
I attended the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where I played football and earned a bachelor of science in exercise science in 2009. While coaching at UNCP, I earned a master of arts in teaching with a concentration in physical education in 2011.
I started my teaching career at Anson High in 2011 in the PE department. While at Anson, I worked with all sports as the head strength coach, and coached football and basketball. I started the Bearcat Athletic Support Foundation, where I was able to raise funds to help support the athletic programs. Through that endeavor, I found a passion for administration and completed an add-on Master in School Administration at Gardner Webb University in 2016. I came to Forest Hills High School in the fall of 2016 where I taught history, coached football, and served as the interim athletic director.
In the fall of 2018, I made the move to full-time athletic director and administrator. I have served on the admin team, where I was tasked as transportation coordinator, administrator of facility and maintenance, as well as department oversight of several academic departments, among various other duties.
I have a team-first mentality. I believe in principle-centered leadership and hope to help the admin team make strategic improvements at our school.
I will be the assistant principal for students with last names A-G. I look forward to partnering with students, parents, staff, and stakeholders to help continue the positive growth and environment at Forest Hills High School.
My wife Shannon and I live in Marshville with our 5-year-old daughter Addison and our 1-year-old daughter Julia. I serve as the chair of the Marshville Park advisory board and am a member of the Bulldog Club at Wingate University.
