Celebrating National Principal Appreciation Month in Nash County Public Schools
October is National Principal Appreciation Month, and Nash County Public Schools is proud to recognize the incredible leadership and dedication of its principals. We reached out to our school communities to hear what students, parents/guardians, and staff had to say about their principals. The responses were heartwarming, filled with appreciation, and truly reflected the strong connections within our schools.
Here are some highlights of the messages we received:
Bailey Elementary School, Mr. Quintin Mangano
Mary Kaye Joyner: "Thank you for embracing our school and community. You have come in with a warmth and calmness that permeates the halls. The children already see you as a Hornet.”
Benvenue Elementary School, Kristen Tedford
ARJAMAND MAHMOOD: “Really appreciate your hard work and dedication to keep the school amongst top rank. Active involvement of parents through parent teacher conferences is a good initiative.”
CITI High School, Ms. Kimberly Rascoe
Tori Evans: "You are an awesome Principal and I am so glad that my child has the privilege to be influenced by you! Beyond that, you are an amazing person in real life. I appreciate the dedication and care you show your students and staff. You rock!!”
Mrs. Richardson: "Thank you for welcoming me to your school and sharing your expertise over the years! Thank you for showing up every day for your students and staff.”
Coopers Elementary School, Mrs. Courtney Land
Megan Sparks: “Mrs. Land, thank you for always keeping the parents informed and putting the children first! We are proud to be Bulldogs!”
Edwards Elementary, Dr. Allen Michael Wilson
Alicia Burton: “Our family would like to thank you, for how you greeted our child back to school, on the first week in school. I have never seen a principal greet the students personally, let alone Open the car doors for them! It warmed and comforted my soul seeing such warmth and a friendly smile to ease my child’s first day jitters ! Thank you for all you do, in ensuring a safe learning environment for our son! We greatly appreciate It. Thank you, from the Burton family”
Lateefah Carmichael Vanderhall: “Thank you Dr. Wilson for making my son feel welcome during the open house. This is his first year at Edwards Elementary and since day one, he hasn't stopped talking about you!! Again, I appreciate your warm welcome and look forward to an exciting year.”
Elbert John Galinato: “Happy School Principal's Month to our amazing principal, Dr. Wilson. Thank you for all the hours you pour into our school, students and staff. We appreciate you and how much you want us to be the VERY BEST we can be.”
Rodaja Washington: “I would like to thank you for your successful communication skills from the beginning of school.”
Jonathan Almirante: “To Dr. Wilson: I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for your unwavering support and dedication to the newly-established GR Edwards Elementary. Your hard work, hands-on approach, and team player spirit have made a significant impact on our school community. Whether it's stepping in to help with a challenging situation, providing guidance to staff, or supporting students directly, your presence and commitment are truly appreciated. Thank you for being such an outstanding leader. Happy National Principals Month!”
Englewood Elementary, Jessica Daughtridge
Yvonne Williams: “You have been so good to us and making sure that my son is on task this year. You are well appreciated and we thank you for being a good principal to the school and for the kids. We love you and keep up the good work.”
Robin Purdy: “Ms. Daughtridge leads with love, consistency, and a deep passion to see each student, teacher, and parent thrive. Having students in this school for several years and working as a long-term sub, I have seen firsthand her dedication and commitment to excellence. Thank you Ms. Daughtridge for the tireless hours you pour into serving our school. We love you and are grateful you are our leader!”
Ashley Moore: “I am so grateful for a principal who is a true leader. You always have believed in us and had our back. You have pushed me to be better and I am thankful!”
Yvonne Williams: “We appreciate all you have done for us the last two years and helping my son get on track and the conversation we have. You have made me feel like a good and a proud mom to my children. We appreciate your communication and your support for all you do for our children.”
Emma Dickens: “I really respect, and admire Principal Daughtridge’s love and dedication for each and every Child in Englewood. She is not only Very Skillful and Professional but Personal as well. She consistently cares and it shows. Thank you so much for all you do!”
M.B. Hubbard Elementary School, Ms. Chasity Whitaker
Shayla Williams: “Thank you for being so kind and caring to the students.”
Middlesex Elementary, Mrs. Ginger Carey
Melissa Kessler: “I would like to thank you for all the help you give our kids. You are always there to help.”
James Hopkins Jr. and Cathryn: “We thank you for everything you do as the principal…Thank you for your patience, kindness, and care for all students and especially ours.”
Nash Central Middle School, Mr. Craig Tedford
Maurice Mitchell: "Keep cracking down on the students!"
Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School, Dr. Thomas McGeachy
Mrs. Richardson: “Dr. McGeachy, Thank you for welcoming me to be a part of your staff and your continuous guidance.”
Indya Sweet: “Thank you Dr. McGeachy for all that you do! Your leadership has taught me so much as a school counselor. You not only help and care about support staff but you make sure we are taking care of ourselves as well. The students are heard, our environment is family oriented and I know you rule it is fair and with compassion! It is an honor for me to tell people that you are the principal of Early College High School. Every day you make a difference! Here's to a great year and our favorite saying...Team Work Makes The Dream Work!”
Demone Frazier: “Dr McGeachy, you are truly amazing!! We are absolutely so lucky to have you as our principal at the Early College. You have taught us the meaning of determination, hard work, and perseverance. Thank you so much for everything you do!”
Nashville Elementary School, Ms. Tiffany Hopkins
Shera: “Thank you for being a safe space and a warm presence for my son at the start of each morning. As a kindergarten mom, it's helpful to know my son can feel her caring spirit as soon as he sees her. It leaves room for him to be his best self for the rest of the day.”
Red Oak Elementary, Mrs. Allison Williams
Shondeyia Mcnair: “I love her whole heart! Her engagement with each and every child everyday is wonderful. Her big contagious smile is everything. Always willing to go the extra mile to help me as a parent to understand anything. RED OAK TIGER CUBS IS GRATEFUL TO HAVE YOU! The world needs more people just like you. Thank you for everything.”
Julie Perez: “She is so kind, supportive and loving individual. It is our first (year) at Red Oak Elementary and she made a wonderful impression on us. We appreciate that she is outside greeting the parents and making us feel safe leaving our children at school.”
Heather Jones: “Thank You for all you do for ROE! You are a great principal!”
Randall Johnson: “Mrs. Williams is a fantastic principal and shows she cares for all her students.”
Ida Hansen: “Thank you for going above and beyond to make sure our children are safe at your school and treat each and every one of them like they were your own. We love you and appreciate all that you do for our children.”
Rachel Scott: “You are truly the most wonderful principal my children have ever had. You are so kind, considerate, honest, trustworthy and modest. My family loves you!”
Jessica Evans: “Keep up the outstanding job. You are a great principal and even better person. You are so genuine and truly care about your students as well as parents. Thank you again.”
Seleta Postell: “Mrs. Williams has a fantastic spirit! She always has a smile on her face and stands to talk to everyone who calls her name. Her engagement with the students, staff and parents is awesome. Mrs. Williams is a great role model for ROE!”
Randall Johnson: “We love and thank you very much.”
Mrs. Richardson: “Ms. Williams, Thank you for your continuous caring, support, and engaging school culture! The way you know each student by name is remarkable!”
Alice Cascell: “Thank you so much for taking great care of our kids. You always have a smile and that helps make our day stay better seeing your smile.”
Red Oak Middle School, Mr. Michael Girouard
Ronald Ricks: “Thank you for your Great Leadership over the years. Keep pushing Brother, your excellence is preparing the students you are leading into greater!!”
Beth Pridgen: “You are a rock star!! Best principal ever!”
Rocky Mount High School, Ms. Keil Dawson
Stacy-Ann Williams: “Thanks, for your support and kindness, both professionally and personally. I truly appreciate you!”
Rocky Mount Middle School, Dr. Leon Dupree
Robin Purdy: “Thank you Dr. Dupree for your humble and steadfast leadership. We are new to the RMM community but have welcomed it from the beginning. You were given a tremendous task to merge 2 entire communities and you have done so with grace, kindness, and perseverance. The many hours you invest at RMM are already paying off as I see students, teachers, and parents growing in holistic ways. You are appreciated deeply!”
Jason Purdy: “When we learned that Mackenzie would have to make the transition from Edwards Middle School last year to Rocky Mount Middle School this year, I was very nervous about how it would go. One thing that helped was the wonderful reputation Dr. Dupree has in our community. My wife and I set up a meeting with him this summer to meet him and learn more about the school. His kindness and professionalism was impressive to me, and I am so thankful for the great year Kenzie is having as a Raven. Thank you!”
JaQuez Murphy: “Dr. Dupree, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional leadership. Your ability to inspire and guide all stakeholders has been remarkable. I genuinely hope that the positive influence you have had on others returns to you in abundance. Wishing you a wonderful Principals Month, and thank you once again for taking a chance on me!”
Sheryl Cooper: “Thank you Dr. Dupree for all that you do for the Raven family! You are a great leader. You are definitely visible and approachable. Thanks for keeping the parents and guardians informed. May God continue to bless you and thanks again for all that you do!”
Southern Nash High School, Dr. Hugh Scott
Sue Gibson Pope: “Your dedication to the school is so greatly appreciated and the community. Your personal persona and insight to success is without comparison. Thank you so much from me and Jjay Wallace 9th grade.”
Tiffany Clark: “I appreciate the hard work and dedication you all put into making SNHS the Best!!!!”
Angie Collier: “Dr. Scott is an amazing principal, he keeps parents up to date with his weekly messages. He is great with the kids and seems to really connect with them. He is very involved in school activities as well, which helps him build better relationships with his students.”
Vanecia Williams: “Just want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU TO DR. SCOTT!! My daughter’s first year at SNHS Dr. Scott made her feel so welcomed. She was extremely nervous about going to HS as she was home on NEDA for three years. Dr. Scott interacts with his students. He knows their names and their siblings' names. Growing up going to school my principal didn’t interact with the students. Thank you Dr. Scott for making my baby feel at ease!! SHE IS DOING GREAT!!!!
Southern Nash Middle School, Ms. Sonya Horton
Malanie Tibbs: “Thank you for all you do for SNMS.”
Tim Finn: “The words "Thank You" don't even begin to express how grateful we are to have you here at SNMS. The leadership and encouragement you offer staff and students each day emulates the "family" atmosphere we strive for. You always make time to listen to our concerns and you genuinely care about making our jobs as manageable as possible. Thank you for all the ways you find to show appreciation for your staff, big or small it all matters. We are so THANKFUL for all you do!!!!”
Spring Hope Elementary, Mr. Chris Jones
Armaney Richardson: “Thank you for making my girls' school transition comfortable, you love your school and it shows!”
Rebekah Faulkner: “I want to thank you for being a great, understanding Principal! We appreciate all you do and the genuine care, concern and help that you have shown to my boys and the other students!!”
April Godwin: “Spring Hope Elementary is blessed to have such a wonderful compassionate and caring principal as Mr.Jones. He goes above and beyond what any normal individual does. He truly cares about education as much as making sure our children are safe and genuinely cared for in this school. I couldn't ask for a better principal.”
Nataly Aguilar: “You are amazing with the kids. We are so lucky to have you as a principal.”
GRETCHEN ABESTILLA: “Thank you so much Mr. Jones for your guidance and support.”
Tar River Academy, Mr. Melvin Ballard
Josephine Pobadora: "Mr. Ballard, thank you for leading TRA with heart. Your leadership continuously inspires me."
Winstead Avenue Elementary: Ms. Vanessa Love
Julie Stutts: “Thank you for everything you are doing! It's clear that you have our students' best interest at heart! I'm glad to be a part of your team! Go Wahoos!”
Brittany Mason: “Mrs. Love is one of the best and most effective and caring principals I've ever seen and I hope she stays with my little girl as long as possible.”
Dr. Deborah Williams: “Thank you, Mrs. Love for the care, concern, enthusiasm and encouragement!”
April U.:
“Dear Ms. Love, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything you do as our principal. Your support during my transition to this new school has been invaluable and I truly appreciate your understanding and guidance. Thank you once again for being such a great help. I look forward to continuing our work together.”
These messages reflect just a fraction of the deep thanks our school community feels for the principals who make a difference every day. Their compassion and leadership provide a positive learning environment for students and inspire those around them.
This month, we celebrated our principals and thanked them for their commitment to education. Nash County Public Schools is proud to have such exceptional leaders guiding our students and staff.
Thank you for submitting your heartfelt messages.