New administration looks to improve NC

Nadya Awino

Southwell only transferred to NC from Russell Elementary this year, and he has already developed a relationship with the students. Senior Josiah Roebuck, pictured talking to Southwell, considers him a helpful addition to administration. “There used to be a lot of kids just roaming the halls during class, and no one would do anything about it. Now, you rarely see anyone even trying to skip,” Roebuck said.

Denise Thomas and Mackenzie Union
September 12, 2016

Starting the 2016-2017 year, NC welcomed two new assistant principals: Leigh Graham and Kiel Southwell, both of whom joined the Warrior nation with positive change in mind.

Assistant Principal Graham transferred from Sprayberry High School where she had worked for six years.

“[NC is]wonderful, and I very much enjoy my time here. My favorite part of NC is the students and their willingness to be helpful not only towards adults but towards other students as well,” Graham said.

Graham considers NC a positive and efficiently run school, but looks to improve student involvement, she wants for students to become more unionized with NC and aware of possibilities surrounding it.

“I want to look at having students actively involved in school, as well as being successful in their classes,” Graham said. She believes that by students becoming involved the atmosphere of school will become a more positive experience for students.  

Still, Graham enjoys the social and personal connections involved with her Assistant Principal position.

“My favorite part of my job is getting to know the kids here as well as the staff. That is the most positive part of my job,” Graham said.

Assistant Principal Kiel Southwell transferred from Russell Elementary. So far, Southwell seems pleased with the change. Entering into a school devoted to preparing kids for college and providing rigorous courses for every grade means Southwell stepped into a position with more positivity.

“The kids are great, the teachers are great, and I’ve been having a great time. There are a lot of good things going on at this school: sports, clubs, academics and the energy has been very fantastic,” Southwell said.

Southwell strives to make a difference at NC. He wants to increase the recognition of teachers and students and help them see the difference they can make. Rather than punishing a student and sending him or her on their way, Southwell goes over what the student did, how they should fix the problem, and how to improve next time.

“I am happy to be here and I hope I can make a difference,” Southwell said.