Evette C. Clemons started as Mount Tabor’s assistant principal in 2014. Her tenure has focused on dropout prevention, English academic growth, professional development opportunities for teachers and hiring the most qualified staff possible, among other things. The level of concern she shows for every student at her school makes her as much a family member to the community as a leader.

“Mrs. Clemons is not only an assistant principal who cares about students’ success, she is also a mother figure to the students at Tabor,” said EC Teacher Azure’e DJ Dalton. “Many students come to her for guidance and direction at times when their own parents can’t help them or, in the student’s eyes, do not understand what they are going through.”

Since 2014, Bridget Hayes has helped serve over 2,200 high school students per year in advanced placement, core, specialty and career and technical education courses. In her time there, the Career Center leaned on her for a lot of support, and she even served as an interim principal for several months at the onset of the pandemic. Her positivity and zest for her career kept her whole team going on the hardest days.  She now brings that dedication with her as she has moved to Mineral Springs Middle School as their Assistant Principal.

“Bridget radiates an energy that [makes it] impossible not to feel inspired or in good spirits when you are around her,” said Assistant Principal Justin Marckel at Southwest Elementary School. “This attitude is contagious, and helps others get in that same frame of mind.”

Lisa Nakawatase greets the challenges of her job with enthusiasm and determination. She believes in promoting innovative ideas and social responsibility to maximize the results in an educational setting. She’s a valued contributor to the team at Early College, but she’s also a joy to work with in any environment.

“She is the rare find of a person who displays intellect, logic, honesty, and determination, all without arrogance,” said Katie Daniels, Social Studies Department Chair “Ms. Nakawatase is brilliant.”

Sean Reaves started with WS/FCS in 2003 as a math teacher and has held positions since then as an instructional coach and now as an assistant principal. He prioritizes being detailed and dedicated in his approach to helping each student he works with achieve their goals. His commitment to professional development and taking every opportunity to learn something new makes him a great asset to Union Cross.

“Mr. Reaves has demonstrated the skills to be a superb voice, advocate, and leader in the education field,” said Principal Javita C. Stockton. “He is always excited to learn new things and continuously works to improve his craft.”

LaJoi Wilson Moore joined WS/FCS in 1997 and has been dedicated to education for her entire professional life. She’s one of the longest-serving assistant principals in the district and has been in her current position since 2006. She has never stopped bringing all of the youthful exuberance that she can to her job, and her positivity makes a big difference in the lives of her co-workers.

“LaJoi’s energy knows no bounds and her positivity is infectious,” said Susan Scott. “She continually goes above and beyond in giving of her time and talents to the TJMS community.”