
Dr. Leslie Coleman-Cassell is proud to call Rockingham County home, where she was raised in a family that valued hard work, service, and community. Throughout her public school experience, she was inspired by exceptional educators who helped shape her future. She attended Rockingham County Schools through the tenth grade before moving to Georgia with her family. In 2002, she returned to Rockingham County to complete her undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has since dedicated her entire professional career to serving the students, families, and educators of Rockingham County Schools.
Dr. Coleman-Cassell began her career in education in 2005 at Douglass Elementary School and has since served in a variety of leadership roles across the district, including principal, district administrator, and currently Director of Elementary Schools. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to supporting student achievement, strengthening schools, and building meaningful relationships with educators, families, and the community.
Dr. Coleman-Cassell considers it both an honor and a privilege to serve the community that helped shape her. "There is something incredibly special and rewarding about giving back to the schools and community that invested in you," she reflects. "The teachers, schools, and community members who influenced my journey helped lay the foundation for my future. Having the opportunity to support the next generation of Rockingham County students is both an honor and a true full-circle moment." Dr. Coleman-Cassell is extended a 4-year contract beginning July 1, 2026.

Golf
● Easton Hopper - 4A State Qualifier (MHS)
● Ryan Martin – 3A State Qualifier (DMHS)
Tennis
● Jordan Hyler – 4A State Qualifier (MHS)
Track and Field 3A Championships
● 200M Dash – 3A – Ian Carter (DMHS – 8th)
● 800M Run – 3A – Carter Simmons (DMHS – 9th)
● 4x400M Relay – 3A – (DMHS – 5th) – Ian Carter, Trenton Long, Major Martin, Damian Olague-Lopez
● Alternate 4x400M Relay - 3A - (DMHS) Aiden Tickle
● 4x800M Relay – 3A – (DMHS – 7th) – Sam Gunter, Elijah Mabe, Damian Olague-Lopez, Carter Simmons
● Alternate 4x800M Relay - 3A - (DMHS) Blane Goins
Track and Field 4A Championships
● Discus – 4A – Aliyah Abernathy (MHS – 16th)
● Discus – 4A – Keonte Brunson (RHS – 5th)
● High Jump Girls – 4A – Olivia White (MHS – 6th)
● Shot Put – 4A – Aliyah Abernathy (MHS - 6th)
● Shot Put – 4A – Taylor Hopper (MHS – 14th)
● Triple Jump – 4A – Tavion Peterson (MHS – 4th)
● 110M Hurdles – 4A – Kameron Purcell (RHS – 12th)
● 1600M Run – 4A – Blake Fink (MHS/EC – 7th)
● 4x100M Relay – 4A – (RHS – 4th) – Melvin Blackwell, Ladonn Hatfield, Dionte Neal, Kameron Purcell
● 4x200M Relay – 4A – (RHS – 7th) – Melvin Blackwell, Elijah Broadnax, Ladonn Hatfield, Dionte Neal
● 4x400M Relay – 4A – (MHS – 14th) – Cameron Benton, Blake Fink, Eli Horton, Aaron Siberman
Track and Field 5A Championships - RCHS
● RCHS - 5A Track and Field State Championships
● Landon Benton
● Alex Bolden
● Ja'Selynn Bolling
● Malachi Bryant
● Kenan Cook
● Ladarius Dillard
● Leylah Diggs
● Irihanna Graves
● Tae'Shaun Harrison
● Jazziah Knight
● Lakel Long
● Josh Moore
● Garnett Nall
Softball
● Dalton McMichael High School - 3A Softball State Championship Runner-Up
● Addie Crews
● Ryleigh Cope
● Kortnie Fletcher
● Ava Harris
● Kora Ingle
● Mack Johnson
● Lindsey Redmon
● Leeana Richardson
● Gabby Schlosser
● Ellie Southern
● Josie Tucker
● Lizzie Wilson
● Olivia Wilson






Stay tuned because each week, we'll spotlight some of the amazing local businesses helping make this adventure possible!
⭐ Students: Don't forget to collect your stamps on your Reading Trail tracker at each stop!
📸 Parents: We'd love to see your adventures! Share your photos and follow along all summer on our Facebook group:
RoCo Reading Trail Facebook Page
#RoCoReadingTrail #ReadAllSummer #RockinghamCountySchools #CommunityReads #SummerReadingAdventure #ReadingIsAnAdventure





https://youtu.be/ljqQ6iz5wjU?si=t4jEYUDktNI7v75m
Application link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfj-seHROXR2XrCRVwseR_3C4qKSSmJnzlFnN1Hf8snuVhclg/viewform?usp=header
The celebration kicked off with a parade through the school, where students and staff filled the atrium to cheer on our participants. The excitement and support from the entire Douglass community set the tone for a day dedicated to celebrating our students and their accomplishments.
Following awards, students enjoyed adaptive games, sensory stations, face painting, Kona Ice, popcorn, and countless opportunities to build confidence, experience success, and have fun with their peers and families.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the amazing Douglass staff, volunteers, families, and community members who made this event possible. Special thanks to Taylor Peach, Erin Moll, Kristy Talbott, Meredith Highfill, Hope Hutchens, Kim Johnson, Avery Neugent, Katie Fain, Lisa Corum, Gail McGuire, Rottura Carlton, our wonderful parents and siblings, and all of the volunteers who helped make today so special.
A special thank you also goes to Principal Larinda Neal for her leadership and support of this event.
Today was a beautiful reminder that every student has unique strengths and talents worth celebrating. We are so proud of our Exceptional Eagles and grateful to everyone who helped make this day a success!
We are excited to announce several new Administrator changes and appointments for the upcoming 2026–2027 school year. All changes and appointments will be effective July 1, 2026.
Please join us in congratulating all of the appointees. We look forward to their leadership and the positive impact they will make in our schools and district.
Josh Eanes – Director of Secondary Schools
Principal David Edrington - Western Rockingham Middle School
Principal Misty Corum – Leaksville-Spray Elementary School
Principal Amanda Wall – Lincoln Elementary School
Principal Dr. Christy Bailey – Bethany Elementary School
Principal Nathan Ziglar – Williamsburg Elementary School
Principal Lori Davis – (TBD)
Assistant Principal Erika Bigelow – Reidsville High School
Assistant Principal Jessica Gillie – Bethany Elementary School
Assistant Principal Mindy Harmon – (TBD)
Assistant Principal Brian Knowles – Rockingham County High School
Assistant Principal Stephanie Lemons - Morehead High School
Assistant Principal Aviana Lindsey – Leaksville-Spray Elementary School
Assistant Principal Justin Terrell – Western Rockingham Middle School
Assistant Principal Katie Tillotson – Dalton McMichael High School
Assistant Principal Christopher Higgs – Rockingham County Middle School
Assistant Principal Lindy Seymore-Carter – Dalton McMichael High School
Nathan Ziglar brings 18 years of experience across three North Carolina school systems and every grade span to his new role. Throughout his career, he has served in several schools across the district as both assistant principal and principal. Ziglar began his career in education as a high school history teacher at Reidsville High School.
A native of Rockingham County and a graduate of Rockingham County Schools, Ziglar previously served as assistant principal at Williamsburg Elementary School from 2018 to 2021 and is honored to once again serve the Williamsburg community.
“It is a privilege to return to the first public school in North Carolina,” Ziglar shared. “I look forward to collaborating with the Williamsburg community and school staff to provide students with the highest quality educational experience possible.”
Ziglar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in History with a concentration in Secondary Education from Appalachian State University, a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University, and a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He was also selected as both an NC Teaching Fellow and Principal Fellow.

Dr. Christy Ann Bailey is a proud Rockingham County native and graduate of Morehead High School, where her love for athletics, teamwork, and community first began through soccer. She continued both her academic and athletic career at Greensboro College, playing soccer and lacrosse while earning her degree in Elementary Education. She later earned her Master’s degree in School Administration from Old Dominion University, followed by both her Education Specialist degree and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Dr. Bailey often shares that some of the most meaningful moments of her career were spent teaching first, fourth, and fifth grade students. Throughout her career with Rockingham County Schools, she has served students, staff, and families in a variety of leadership roles, including assistant principal and Coordinator for Curriculum and Instruction. She has also proudly served as principal at Draper Elementary, Dillard Academy, Holmes Middle School, and Leaksville-Spray Elementary School.
Known for her commitment to building strong school culture, fostering meaningful relationships, and supporting academic excellence for all students, Dr. Bailey believes schools are strongest when students, staff, families, and community members work together.
Dr. Bailey is excited to join the Bethany Elementary School community and shared:
“I am honored to join a school community that so clearly values service, tradition, and relationships. Programs such as the Veterans Program, Grandparents Day, and May Day highlight the heart of Bethany Elementary and the strong community values that make it so special. I look forward to learning from this community, celebrating its traditions, and working together to continue Bethany’s strong tradition of academic excellence.”
Dr. Bailey resides in Eden with her husband and looks forward to becoming part of the Bethany school family.

Mrs. Amanda Wall brings more than nine years of experience in education and school leadership to her new role and most recently served as assistant principal at Leaksville-Spray Elementary School.
During her time at Leaksville-Spray, Mrs. Wall focused on school improvement initiatives, instructional leadership, and fostering strong relationships with families, staff, and the community. In recognition of her leadership and dedication to education, she was named the 2025 Rockingham County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year.
Prior to her work in administration, Mrs. Wall served as an elementary physical education teacher for five years in Franklin County, Virginia, and spent six years as an assistant softball coach at Ferrum College. Mrs. Wall earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Performance with an emphasis in Physical Education Teaching from Ferrum College in December 2016. She later earned a Master of Education degree in School Administration and Supervision from Liberty University in December 2020.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to join the Lincoln Elementary community as principal,” said Wall. “While I am excited for this new chapter, Leaksville-Spray Elementary will always hold a special place in my heart. LSE has helped shape me into the educator and leader I am today, and I will forever be grateful for the support and memories built over the last four years.
“I truly believe schools are built on teamwork and a shared love for children, and I cannot wait to get to know the students, staff, and families at Lincoln Elementary. I look forward to celebrating successes, supporting one another through challenges, and creating opportunities for every child while always keeping the best interests of children at the center of our decisions.”

Mrs. Corum brings two decades of educational experience within Rockingham County Schools, including service as a classroom teacher, Title I Coordinator, and assistant principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Most recently, she served as interim principal at Leaksville-Spray Elementary School.
Her diverse leadership background reflects a strong commitment to instructional excellence, student achievement, school safety, and fostering positive school communities. Mrs. Corum holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Guilford College, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University, and a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is also a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s PPEERS Leadership Program (Cohort 3) and was recognized as a 2024 finalist for Rockingham County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year.
For Mrs. Corum, this appointment is especially meaningful, as Leaksville-Spray Elementary is a school she knows and loves deeply, having previously served the Dolphin community as both a fifth-grade teacher and Title I Coordinator.
Her leadership is grounded in relationship-building, high expectations, and ensuring every child has the academic and emotional support needed to thrive. Mrs. Corum looks forward to serving the staff, families, and community of Leaksville-Spray Elementary and is excited to continue the school’s tradition of excellence while building on opportunities for growth and success for all students.

David Edrington brings more than 25 years of experience in education and technology to his role as principal of Western Rockingham Middle School. Prior to entering education, he spent 15 years as Programming and IT Manager at WTWB/WCWG.
David earned a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education and a Master of Library and Information Studies from UNC Greensboro, as well as a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas.
During his time at Reidsville Middle School, David taught social studies and science before transitioning to the role of Media Coordinator. He also served on the School Improvement Team, MTSS Committee, and Instructional Leadership Team, contributing to school-wide academic and organizational initiatives.
For the past three years, David has served at McMichael High School, where he has held several leadership roles, including Assistant Principal, Testing Coordinator, Title I Coordinator, and most recently, Interim Principal.
Western Rockingham Middle School looks forward to the leadership, experience, and dedication Mr. Edrington brings as he continues to support students, staff, and the school community.

A graduate of Morehead High School and a proud product of Rockingham County Schools, Mr. Eanes brings 19 years of educational experience within the district to his new role. He began his career as a Special Education teacher at Dillard Elementary School before serving as assistant principal at both Huntsville Elementary School and McMichael High School.
For the past 10 years, Mr. Eanes has served as principal of Bethany Elementary School, where he fostered a culture grounded in strong relationships, high expectations, and student success. Under his leadership, Bethany Elementary consistently met academic proficiency and growth targets, reflecting the school’s ongoing commitment to excellence.
Reflecting on his new role, Eanes shared his enthusiasm for continuing to serve the students, staff, and families of Rockingham County Schools.
“As a lifelong resident of Rockingham County, I am excited about the opportunities ahead as I work alongside our secondary schools and the greater Rockingham County community,” said Eanes. “I understand the importance of supporting our students, families, staff, and schools, and I remain committed to building strong relationships through active involvement in our schools and throughout the community.”
Rockingham County Schools looks forward to the leadership, experience, and dedication Mr. Eanes will bring to the position as the district continues its mission of providing high-quality educational opportunities for all students.



Dr. Stover, Dr. Perkins, and Ms. Lisa Miller recognized five Rockingham County Schools students selected to attend the 2026 North Carolina Governor’s School, a highly competitive summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students held June 21 through July 18, 2026, on two university campuses.
The following students were recognized:
Keira Belter, Rockingham County High School – Mathematics, Governor’s School East at Meredith College
Rebekah Dowdle, Rockingham Early College High School – Theatre, Governor’s School West at Greensboro College
Jonas Jones, Rockingham County High School – Instrumental Music (Trombone), Governor’s School West at Greensboro College
Maria Sanchez-Diaz, Rockingham County High School – Theatre, Governor’s School East at Meredith College
Grace Standley, Rockingham County High School – Dance, Governor’s School West at Greensboro College
Recognition of Students Selected as Winners in the America 250 NC Flag Competition
Dr. Stover and Dr. Perkins recognized students selected as winners in the America 250 NC Flag Competition. The Board congratulated the following students for their achievement:
Kaylynn Anderson, Williamsburg
Elena Bowling, Douglass
Riley Sawyers, Leaksville-Spray
Recognition of Mr. Carlton Hurd
Dr. Stover and Dr. Perkins recognized Mr. Carlton Hurd, Custodian and Bus Driver at Western Rockingham Middle School, for his heroism during a head on school bus accident in 2025. Mr. Hurd was presented a Certificate of Recognition honoring his extraordinary courage, selflessness, and dedication to the safety and well being of others. His quick thinking and heroic actions were recognized as reflecting the highest standards of service and character. A video highlighting Mr. Hurd’s recognition by the Boy Scouts was also shown during the presentation.



As an English Language (EL) learner, Angie has worked tirelessly to overcome language barriers while excelling academically. Her dedication to learning is evident through her successful completion of Honors Math courses over the past two years at Reidsville High School (RHS), where she has continuously challenged herself to achieve at a high level.
In addition to her academic success, Angie has demonstrated outstanding citizenship and leadership through her involvement in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses and her internship experience working with students at Reidsville Middle School. Even after completing her internship, Angie continued to volunteer her time tutoring middle school students, reflecting her genuine compassion, selflessness, and desire to positively impact others. Her willingness to serve, mentor, and encourage younger students speaks volumes about her integrity, leadership, and commitment to her community.
Angie Ochoa represents the very best of Reidsville High School through her hard work, perseverance, service, and unwavering dedication to helping others succeed.

Rockingham County High School Senior - Jacob Alvarez
My name is Jacob Alvarez, and I am a graduating senior at Rockingham County High School. Over the past four years, I have grown not only as a student but also as an athlete and a person, learning lessons that have shaped who I am today.
One of the most significant obstacles that I have ever encountered took place when I tore my meniscus twice during my third year of high school. The tearing of my meniscus twice made me absent from many classes, including the wrestling season. Wrestling is close to my heart, but the inability to participate made it hard for me to cope.
Throughout high school, my teachers have played a major role in my journey. Their support and encouragement helped me stay focused, especially during tough times. They pushed me to do my best and helped shape my mindset, and I am grateful for the impact they have had on me.
Wrestling has been a central part of my high school experience. It has taught me discipline, commitment, and how to push through challenges. Even after missing a season due to injury, my passion for the sport never changed. I am proud to say that I will be continuing both my academic and athletic career at Shenandoah University, where I have committed to wrestling.
In addition to athletics, I have worked hard academically. I have been honored to receive the SU Promise Award and an academic scholarship, both of which reflect my dedication to my education.
After graduation, I plan to attend Shenandoah University and major in engineering. My goal is to become a civil engineer and use what I learn to help build and improve infrastructure.
My high school journey has had its challenges, but it has also helped me grow into the person I am today. I am excited to take the next step and continue working toward my goals.
