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As a new school year begins for the students of Dare County, they will be greeted with some new smiling faces in administration at a number of schools. “Drawing from the talented pool of staff members in the system, promotions and new assignments have been made at each school level,” stated a press release from Dare County Schools.

Thomas McGeachy has been named principal of Nags Head Elementary School. With 20 years of service in the U.S. Army, he selected education as his next career. After teaching for 11 years and receiving the 2012-13 North Central Regional Teacher of the Year Award, McGeachy transitioned into administration as an assistant principal in Weldon City Schools and, more recently, at First Flight High School.

He received a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Old Dominion University, a Master of Science in human resources management from Troy University, a Master of School Administration from Elizabeth City State University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from Liberty University.

Reflecting on his new position, McGeacy said, “In my new administrative role, I am most looking forward to building synergy and a sense of collaboration among parents, teachers, staff and community stakeholders which produce enriching learning opportunities for all students.”

Curtis Price has begun his new role as principal of Manteo Elementary School. He began his career in education in Costa Rica as a K-12 science teacher before moving to Dare County to accept a position at Manteo Middle School and Manteo High School. He later assumed an assistant principalship at Manteo Elementary School and, more recently, at First Flight Middle School. Additionally, Price has coached soccer at the high school level.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Longwood University, he pursued his teaching license from East Carolina University, with additional educational enrichment from UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC-Wilmington. Price obtained his Masters of Arts in education from Gardner-Webb University with a concentration in school administration and is currently enrolled at East Carolina University in a doctoral-level micro-credential program.

Ready for his new challenge, Price commented, “I am most looking forward to building both new relationships with families and staff while fostering the previous ones that I cherished when I served as an assistant principal here. Both the school and community have always felt like home, so being able to come back and serve this great community is a dream come true. I am thrilled and look forward to seeing what we can all do together in order to make our Manteo Elementary School the best possible place for our children.”

The position of assistant principal at Manteo Elementary School has been filled with the appointment of Dr. Adrienne Palma. With many years of experience in education, she has held administrative positions in Dare County, Robeson County and Newton, New Jersey.

Palma earned her Bachelor of Arts in economics from Fordham University, followed by a Master of Education from Georgian Court University and a Master of School Administration from East Carolina University. Her Doctorate of Educational Leadership was obtained from Fayetteville State University.

“I am thrilled to be working at the school in the community in which I live. I look forward to getting to know our students and teachers and building positive relationships. We are going for the gold together this year at MES!” Palma stated.

Manteo Middle School has welcomed Dr. Shannon Castillo as the new assistant principal this school year. Having 19 years of combined educational experience both in Florida and North Carolina, she taught and was an instructional coach in elementary school until becoming an administrator in Pitt, Greene, Edgecombe and Dare County Schools.

Attending East Carolina University for her Bachelor of Elementary Education degree, Casillo also chose ECU to pursue a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, a Masters in School Administration and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership.

In looking at this school year, she said, “It is an honor to continue to serve our Manteo students, families and community! I am most excited to bring my skills and passion for education to school and to work with our teachers, families and community as partners to ensure the success of our MMS students.”

Drew Hudspeth has accepted the position of assistant principal at First Flight Middle School. Having taught high school math for 10 years in New Hanover County, she became assistant principal at South Brunswick Middle School in Southport. Hudspeth then returned to her roots in Dare County to fill the position of assistant principal at Manteo High School.

She received her Bachelor of Arts in mathematics with a concentration in education and a Masters in School Administration from UNC-Wilmington.

“I am excited to be back in the middle school setting, and I am looking forward to working with Mrs. Childress. I think I am most looking forward to building relationships with the students and staff and continuing to help FFMS grow academically,” said Hudspeth.

Sarah Pritchard has been named assistant principal at Manteo High School. This school year marks Pritchard’s 17th year in education. Her first 16 years were spent in the classroom at Manteo High School, where she advised the school’s yearbook and newspaper, taught English and worked with the AVID program.

A graduate of Manteo High School, she received her Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication from UNC-Chapel Hill and completed additional coursework through Elizabeth City State University to earn her teaching license. Pritchard then earned a Master of Arts in education in instructional technology through East Carolina University. She returned to ECU after being accepted into one of their Master of School Administration cohorts. During this last school year, she completed her administrative internship at Manteo High School. She received her Master of School Administration this past May.

Excited about her new administrative role, Pritchard said, “This new role will allow me to influence more than just the students I had in class. As a building administrator, I’ll play a larger role and have the ability to positively impact all students and staff in the building.”

The new school year at First Flight High School has begun with Crissie Weeks holding the position of assistant principal. Having served in a variety of roles at First Flight High School, she has been both an English teacher and an instructional technology facilitator before assuming her current position.

Her educational training includes UNC-Chapel Hill for her Bachelor of Arts in secondary education/English, Western Governors University for a Master of Curriculum and Instruction and she is currently enrolled in the North Carolina School Executive Leadership Program through Western Carolina University.

Weeks stated, “I am most looking forward to honing relationships with the students, staff, parents and community members who support First Flight High School.”

READ ABOUT MORE SCHOOL NEWS HERE.

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