Principals Appreciation Month: Vonetta Maston – Orchard Knob Elementary
October 28, 2025 – During Principals Appreciation Month, we’re highlighting outstanding school leaders across Hamilton County Schools who go above and beyond for their students, staff, and communities. At Orchard Knob Elementary, Principal Vonetta Maston leads with heart, high expectations, and a deep belief that every child can succeed.
For Maston, being a school leader is about more than running a building. It’s about creating a place where where students love to learn, teachers love to teach, and families feel deeply connected.
Now in her sixth year at Orchard Knob Elementary, Maston has spent 28 years serving Hamilton County Schools. Before coming to Orchard Knob, she led at Hillcrest Elementary for five years as assistant principal and five as principal. Those years, she says, helped shape her leadership style.
“I learned the value of relationships, resilience, and creating a culture where both students and adults feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow,”
Maston’s journey in education began at Knoxville College, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. She later earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University and an Educational Specialist degree from Carson-Newman University. Each step, she says, reminded her that education is more than a job, to her it’s a calling.
This year, Orchard Knob Elementary is focused on a theme Maston calls “O.K.E.” — Owning, Knowing, and Elevating.
“We are owning the systems that drive success, knowing our students and their data deeply, and elevating our practices to make sure every child thrives,” she explains. “My goal is to create a school where students love to learn, teachers love to teach, and families feel connected to the heartbeat of our school.”
Maston describes her leadership style as being a “Warm Demander,” someone who leads with both care and high expectations. “My students and staff know I love them, but I also expect their best,” she says. “I try to model accountability, grace, and growth in everything I do.”
One of her favorite places in the building is the gym. A former basketball player at Brainerd High and Knoxville College, Maston still enjoys jumping in for a quick game and connecting with the students through movement and laughter. “Stepping into the gym brings me joy,” she says. “ It reminds me of the power of relationships, that learning happens best when joy and connection are present.”
Her favorite school tradition is House Day, when students and staff come together to celebrate teamwork and school spirit. “Watching older students mentor younger ones and seeing everyone laugh and cheer together is my favorite thing,” Maston says. “it’s a beautiful reflection of what our culture is all about: unity, joy, and belonging.”
One of her most memorable moments as principal happened a few years ago on her birthday. A teacher led her into the gym, where the entire school surprised her with a celebration. “Seeing every student and staff member celebrating together reminded me that Orchard Knob isn’t just a school, it’s a family,” she says with a smile.
Under Maston’s leadership, Orchard Knob has seen both academic growth and a stronger sense of community. The school’s House System and focus on Owning, Knowing, and Elevating have helped unite students, staff, and families around a shared vision for success.
“My greatest joy is watching people grow in purpose and in pride,” Maston says. “When a student starts believing they can do it or a teacher feels proud of their progress, I know we’re doing something right.”
As she looks ahead, Maston hopes Orchard Knob continues to be a model school for growth and pride. “Education is the key,” she says. “When our students know who they are and believe in what they can become, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”
