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About Frank

Frank Patton Hughes III was born in Iredell county and has lived all over our great state of North Carolina. He has enjoyed time spent in Statesville, Union Grove, Norlina, Greensboro, Kings Mountain, Winston-Salem, and across Avery County where he spent most of his life.

Growing up Frank had the opportunity to attend Montesorri preschool and kindergarten, and was homeschooled until entering fourth grade at Riverside Elementary in Avery County, continuing on to graduate from Western Guilford High School. He pursued higher education at Cleveland Community College, Caldwell Community College, and Appalachian State University, where he earned a Bachelors of Science. 

Frank is currently a public school teacher specializing in Social Studies, a path he sought because of his own past teachers—both great…and not so great. Often finding it difficult to engage with the material as presented, Frank knew there must be better ways to involve neurodiverse students. Combined with a passion for training and teaching specialized skills, Frank’s school experiences lead him to recognize his natural calling as a teacher. Outside of the classroom, Frank has had experience in a wide array of jobs, from landscape nurseryman to car mechanic.

Frank’s professional achievements include an award of excellence for the High School Social Studies Praxis. He was one of three writers and advisors of curriculum for the Winston-Salem Forsyth school district for eighth grade social studies, the lead social studies teacher at Philo Hill Middle School in Winston-Salem, and is now lead world history teacher at McDowell High School. Frank also serves as Chair of the Avery County Democratic Party.

As a candidate for NC State Senate, Frank is first and foremost a passionate and strident advocate for public school students, teachers, and staff. He is dedicated to ensuring that students’ needs are met and that they become active participants in democratic self-governance. He strongly supports access to high quality affordable healthcare regardless of age or income level. Frank believes that folks deserve to be able to live with dignity where they work and play; in safe and affordable housing. He deeply feels a responsibility to serve as a steward of our forests, rivers, and farms.

In his spare time, Frank runs the McDowell High School Chess Team. He is an active member of the United States Chess Federation and a regular attendee of the McDowell Chess Club at the Senior Center. He plays saxophone in the Avery County Community Band and is an avid gardener, specifically enjoying bonsai history, creation, and education.