CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WITN) – An Eastern Carolina superintendent just weeks from retiring is being recognized for his years of leadership and athletic achievement.

Pitt County Schools announced that Dr. Ethan Lenker has been named the Bob McRae Superintendent of the Year by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

Lenker has been serving the school system since 2013, making him the longest-serving superintendent in North Carolina with 19 years of service, according to Pitt County Schools.

His career in education spans 36 years and he’s set to retire at the end of July.

The school system cites the athletic success under Lenker as the reason he won the award.

This year alone, the North Pitt High Schools girls basketball team won the 2A state championship, Farmville Central boys basketball advanced to the 2A state title, and the J.H Rose boys golf team advanced into state finals among others.

Lenker will be formally honored at the NCHSAA Awards Banquet on June 12 in Greensboro.