5 Shocking New Updates And The Legacy Of Pinecrest High School’s Most Famous Alumni
Pinecrest High School, a cornerstone of the Moore County Schools (MCS) district in Southern Pines, North Carolina, continues to solidify its reputation as a leading educational institution in the state. As of December 19, 2025, the school is undergoing significant shifts in leadership and celebrating major wins across academics and athletics, proving its commitment to holistic student development remains stronger than ever.
The latest headlines from the "Pinecrest Patriots" highlight a period of dynamic growth, from welcoming a new principal to securing prestigious statewide awards for teaching excellence and dominating North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) championships. This deep dive explores the fresh updates and the enduring legacy of the school’s most accomplished former students.
The Legacy of the Patriots: Notable Pinecrest High School Alumni
Pinecrest High School has produced a distinguished roster of graduates who have gone on to achieve success in professional sports, coaching, and other high-profile careers. The following individuals represent the school's enduring commitment to excellence, demonstrating that the foundation laid in Southern Pines, NC, can lead to national recognition.
- James Baldwin (Professional Baseball): A former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, Baldwin was an All-Star selection in 2000. He played for several teams during his career, including the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Jeff Capel II (College Basketball Coach): A highly respected figure in college basketball, Capel was a former head coach at Old Dominion University and an NBA assistant coach. His career is a testament to the school's strong athletic and leadership development.
- Sean Pollard (Professional Football): An offensive lineman who played for the Clemson Tigers in college before moving on to professional football.
- Jaylin Dickerson (College Football): A talented defensive back who continued his football career at the collegiate level, representing the caliber of athletes developed by the Pinecrest Patriots program.
- Bryce Kennedy (College Football): Another notable football alumnus who went on to play in college, further showcasing the school's success in placing athletes at the next level.
- Antwon Murchison (College Football): A defensive line player who also transitioned from Pinecrest to collegiate football, adding to the school's impressive track record in the sport.
5 Crucial Updates Shaping Pinecrest High School in 2025
The 2024-2025 academic year has been marked by several significant, forward-looking changes and achievements that will define the trajectory of Pinecrest High School for the next decade. These updates reflect a commitment to both administrative stability and exceptional performance in the classroom and on the field.
1. New Principal Matthew McLean Takes the Helm
One of the most impactful changes for the 2025-2026 school year is the appointment of Matthew McLean as the new principal of Pinecrest High School, effective July 1, 2025. This transition in leadership is a key moment for the Moore County Schools district, as McLean steps into the role to guide the school's large student body and faculty. The focus of the new administration is expected to be on maintaining the school's high academic standards and fostering a supportive, high-achieving campus environment. This leadership change signals a fresh perspective and renewed energy for the Pinecrest community.
2. Automotive Teacher Wins Prestigious National Award
In a major win for the school's Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, Quint Dunlap, an automotive teacher at Pinecrest High School, was named a winner of the 2024 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. This national recognition underscores the quality and dedication of the vocational faculty at Pinecrest. The award not only celebrates Dunlap’s exceptional teaching methods but also brings significant resources and attention to the crucial trades programs, which offer students valuable, real-world skills and career pathways outside of traditional college routes.
3. Academic Excellence Reaches Platinum Status
Pinecrest High School continues to demonstrate outstanding academic performance, particularly in its Advanced Placement (AP) offerings. The school was named to the 2024 Advanced Placement Program School Honor Roll, achieving the highly coveted Platinum distinction. Furthermore, in a testament to the rigor of its courses and the dedication of its students, a related Pinecrest Academy achieved an astonishing 100% AP® Pass Rate. This level of academic success is a direct reflection of the rigorous curriculum and the high expectations set by the Moore County Schools. Additionally, another Pinecrest earned an "Excellent" overall rating on its 2024 School Report Card, receiving the highest rating in both Academic Achievement and Student Growth.
4. Patriots Dominate NCHSAA Golf and Football in 2025
The Pinecrest Patriots athletic teams have continued their winning traditions deep into the 2025 season. The Men's Golf program secured a third consecutive golf title, affirming its status as a powerhouse in the state's high school golf circuit. This incredible run of success highlights the consistency and talent within the team and coaching staff. Similarly, the Girls' High School Invitational golf team secured its third consecutive tournament victory, further cementing Pinecrest’s dominance in the sport. On the gridiron, the Varsity Boys Football team celebrated a key victory on October 24, 2025, winning a competitive match against Hoke County High School with a final score of 26-23, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
5. Strong Focus on Comprehensive Student Support
Beyond the headline-grabbing achievements, Pinecrest High School maintains a deep commitment to the overall well-being and growth of its diverse student body. As one of the largest high schools in the region, the school actively promotes various academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs. The school's mission, under the guidance of Moore County Schools, is centered on providing resources that support both college-bound students and those pursuing immediate career opportunities, as evidenced by the highly successful CTE programs and the recent teaching award. This comprehensive approach ensures that every student has a pathway to success after graduation, whether it's through academic scholarships, vocational training, or military service.
The Enduring Appeal of the Pinecrest High School Community
The ongoing success of Pinecrest High School is not just a matter of test scores and championship trophies; it is a reflection of the strong community support in Southern Pines, NC, and the dedication of the Moore County Schools administration. The school, often simply referred to as "Pinecrest," serves as a central hub for the community, drawing in students from a wide geographic area.
The consistent results in academics, particularly the high AP performance, and the sustained excellence in NCHSAA sports, such as the back-to-back golf titles, create a powerful sense of pride and tradition. This environment of high expectations and consistent achievement is what continues to attract families to the area and what motivates the current generation of Pinecrest Patriots to strive for their own success, mirroring the path of their notable alumni who found their start in these halls.
As the school enters the new era under Principal Matthew McLean, the focus will undoubtedly remain on leveraging these recent successes—the teaching awards, the academic distinctions, and the athletic championships—to further enhance the educational experience for all students. The Pinecrest legacy, built on a foundation of excellence since its opening, is clearly in capable hands and poised for continued growth and distinction in the coming years.
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