Mr. Matt Rikard was born and raised in Kings Mountain, NC. He attended college at UNC Greensboro, graduating in 1998 with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science. Mr. Rikard began his teaching career in Physical Education. He went on to gain certification in Social Studies, teaching Civics, AP Government and AP Psychology. Mr. Rikard also achieved his National Board Certified Teacher status in 2008. He went on to earn his Masters in Executive Leadership from Gardner Webb University in 2012. He served for three years as the Assistant Principal at Grier Middle School, one year as the Assistant Principal at Brookside Elementary School, and three years as Assistant Principal at Cramerton Middle School.

Mr. Rikard, his wife, and their two sons live in Kings Mountain, NC. Their family is very active in First Baptist Church, and love enjoying the outdoors and sports. When not at school, he and his family enjoys fishing, playing and watching baseball, and football, especially the Clemson Tigers and the Carolina Panthers!