By Zaya McFarland
The Atkins HS community eagerly awaits its new principal, Dr. Keisha Gabriel, who has been named the school’s new principal, following the retiring Dr. Chris Nichols. The school is currently in a transition phase as she assumes the role full time. “I’m honored and excited to join the Atkins family,” she said.
For nearly five years, Nichols served the Atkins HS community as principal, overseeing the return of students from remote learning and ushering the school into a new era beyond it. Nichols succeeded the late Joe Childers in the position and upheld “The Atkins Way” fostered under Childers’ leadership, which continues to emphasize excellence in learning and inclusivity. Nichols departed from Atkins with fanfare as the school’s student body displayed their appreciation in an organized pep rally, and Gabriel was selected to succeed Nichols. Atkins students and staff alike have expressed their optimism for the school’s future under the leadership of Gabriel, several of whom have previously had the opportunity to meet her.
As an Atkins parent, the school is not unfamiliar to Gabriel, who looks forward to engaging with its plentiful extracurricular activities and upholding the school’s high academic standard. “My goal is to work alongside our talented students, dedicated staff, supportive families, and engaged community members to ensure Atkins continues to thrive. Together, we will build on the school's strong foundation, celebrate our accomplishments, and pursue new opportunities for growth and success.”
Gabriel’s professional background stretches nearly twenty-five years, which has allowed her to become acquainted with educators throughout the county. During Gabriel’s tenure as principal of Kennedy HS, she worked alongside Atkins’ own science teacher Jocelyn Stone, who considers herself blessed to have had Gabriel as her principal. Despite having faced challenges, Stone attributed the school’s ultimate success in preparing students for graduation to Gabriel’s leadership.
Stone referred to Gabriel as “the heart of the school” and “a leader who believes that strong relationships are the foundation of a thriving community,” qualities which will undoubtedly align with the values of Atkins. The strong relationships that Gabriel prioritized extended beyond pupils according to Stone, who recounted, “She had an incredible gift for really knowing everyone—students, parents, and staff alike—greeting each person by name and making them feel valued. Her care and dedication went beyond the walls of the school; she truly invested in the lives of those around her.”
Following Gabriel’s selection to succeed him as principal, Nichols reflected upon his time at Atkins with fondness. When asked what he remains most proud of during his time as principal, Nichols responded, “I am most proud of the community we have at Atkins. I’m proud of how we celebrate our accomplishments together and how we stand together in tough times.” Nichols’ words ring true as Atkins students and staff have adjusted to the absence of the beloved teacher Thomas “Tommy” Key, who unexpectedly passed away last year. “I will miss the people who make up this fantastic school community,” Nichols said.
Despite having left his role as principal, Nichols remained confident that his successor would bring about the school’s continued growth. Nichols said, “I am excited that Dr. Gabriel will come and lead Atkins into the future. Atkins High School is a special place and Dr. Gabriel will continue to strengthen the Atkins Way!”
Gabriel has already begun her leadership role at Atkins, spending some days here and some days at WS Preparatory Academy until that position is filled. Both students and staff look forward to the bright future she will deliver for the school.