[Press Release] Nash County Public Schools Announces Henry Drake as Dudley Whitley Coach of the Year
![Henry Drake]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778081539/ncpschoolsnet/bgirkfl2ecjps2f938b2/Untitleddesign1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778081539/ncpschoolsnet/bgirkfl2ecjps2f938b2/Untitleddesign1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778081539/ncpschoolsnet/bgirkfl2ecjps2f938b2/Untitleddesign1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778081539/ncpschoolsnet/bgirkfl2ecjps2f938b2/Untitleddesign1.png","width":1080}])
[Press Release] Nash County Public Schools Announces Henry Drake as Dudley Whitley Coach of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
NASHVILLE, N.C. – Nash County Public Schools is proud to announce that Henry Drake, head basketball coach and social studies teacher at Northern Nash High School, has been named the recipient of the Dudley Whitley Coach of the Year Award.
This prestigious award honors a coach who exemplifies strong character, sportsmanship, leadership, and a commitment to serving as a positive role model for students and student-athletes. The award is named in honor of Dudley Whitley, who dedicated 35 years of service to Rocky Mount City Schools and Nash/Rocky Mount Schools in a variety of roles, including teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, athletic director, assistant superintendent, and superintendent.
Although Whitley served in many important leadership roles throughout his career, he is most remembered for his heart for coaching. During his time as a coach, he experienced both major triumphs, including serving as head coach of Rocky Mount’s 1963 4-A State Championship Baseball team, and challenging seasons, including leading an 0-10 football team. Through it all, Coach Whitley taught his athletes lessons that went far beyond the scoreboard. He believed in helping students become better athletes, but more importantly, better people.
The Dudley Whitley Coach of the Year Award recognizes coaches who carry on that same legacy by making a difference in the lives of student-athletes every day. The award is given via nomination. Anyone is able to nominate a coach in the Nash County Public Schools district.
Coach Drake was presented with the award during Northern Nash High School’s Senior Awards ceremony. Members of the Whitley family were in attendance and had the special opportunity to present the award to Coach Drake alongside Angie Miller, Special Assistant of Auxiliary Services, Operations, and Athletics for Nash County Public Schools.
Coach Drake was also recognized during the May 2026 Nash County Board of Education meeting, where he was honored alongside his basketball team for winning the 2026 NCHSAA Class 6A State Championship.
“Coach Drake represents the very best of what this award stands for,” said Angie Miller. “He leads with integrity, models sportsmanship, and invests in his student-athletes both on and off the court. We are proud to celebrate him and the positive impact he continues to make at Northern Nash High School.”
As both a teacher and coach, Drake has demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, leadership, and character development. His work with students reflects the values of the Dudley Whitley Coach of the Year Award and the mission of Nash County Public Schools.
NCPS is extremely proud of Coach Drake and congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition.
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Media Contact:
Caroline Johnson
Communications Department