Principal with a Purpose: Graham Witherspoon ’02 Leads with Heart
Graham Witherspoon '02 (Elementary Education and Psychology)
From the classroom to law enforcement and back to education leadership, Graham Witherspoon ’02 is living out a role he once only imagined.
Now the principal of Cathedral School in Raleigh, North Carolina, Witherspoon, known affectionately by students as “Mr. Spoon,” brings energy, heart, and high expectations to everything he does. Whether he’s running in a turkey costume for a school fundraiser, volunteering to take a pie in the face, or letting students auction off the paint color for his office, he leads with joy and visibility. But behind the fun is a clear mission: building a culture of character, purpose, and belonging.
A graduate of Roberts Wesleyan University with degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology, Witherspoon began his career teaching in Virginia and North Carolina before serving 13 years as a City of Raleigh police officer. His return to education was intentional. After serving as an assistant principal at Our Lady of Lourdes School, he took on his first principal role at Cathedral School in April 2025.
In less than a year, the school has already seen a 24% increase in enrollment. For Witherspoon, though, the real win is culture. He is focused on how students carry themselves, how they treat others, and how they grow in faith and confidence. He emphasizes intentionality, personal responsibility, and earning milestones, even incorporating life-skills lessons that culminate in meaningful traditions for students.
A constant presence in hallways, classrooms, and at school events, Witherspoon is known for encouraging others to “roll” with the plan and responding with his signature “10-4,” a nod to his law enforcement background that signals both listening and leadership.
Students work together at Cathedral School.
He has helped create prayer spaces in the school, reorganized learning areas, and filled hallways with large portraits of current students so they see themselves reflected in their school community. He has also built strong partnerships with local leaders, connecting students with mentors and volunteer opportunities.
Reflecting on his own Catholic school experience, Witherspoon credits it with teaching him to work hard, live with purpose, and know who he is, the same foundation he hopes to give his students.
“I hope that they know in good times and bad times, Jesus is always there. The man upstairs is never going to leave you.”
Principal Witherspoon with some elementary school students.
Through faith-filled leadership, bold vision, and a willingness to be right in the middle of school life, Graham Witherspoon is shaping not just a school, but the confidence and character of the students who walk its halls.
Read the original article from the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh here.
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About the author
Roberts Wesleyan University
As a community of learners committed to historic Christianity, Roberts Wesleyan University seeks to prepare thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented people who will help transform society.
We are a private Christian university in Rochester, New York, offering over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs.
As the only NCAA Division II institution in the region and member of the East Coast Conference, Roberts is committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and competitive athletics.