National School Principals Month

‘I couldn’t wait to make school easier for others’

Austin Elementary Principal Avis Mooneyham Named

Area 1 Principal of the Year

For Avis Mooneyham, school was not always a smooth journey for her. When she thought of her future as a young student, college was an uncertainty for her, as well as her future career. However, her parents could see a potential career in education for her.

“My parents helped me realize that I thrived in helping others and that I naturally gravitated toward teaching kids,” said Mrs. Mooneyham. “The moment I started my education courses, I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to make school easier for others.”

Her mission to make school easier for all students has led the Austin Elementary School principal to be awarded Area 1 Principal of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year. Principal Mooneyham is now eligible for the DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) Principal of the Year award, which will be presented on November 1 at the District’s 12th Annual Academy of Educational Excellence Awards Gala. She said she feels truly honored to be the Area 1 Principal of the year.

“I love my Area 1 team. The other principals here are seriously the best, and I have learned so much from them,” she said. “To have the chance to stand and represent them is amazing.”

Austin Elementary students and staff agreed that she is the best principal in the area. When the news of her recognition became public, she was showered with “congratulations” and gifts.

“The day after the announcement, my office filled with cards and posters. They were everywhere,” she said. “Nothing could have been better than sitting in the morning quiet of my office and reading the sweetest notes from my students. It was quite special.

“The Austin [Elementary] community is something special,” she added. “There is just something different when you walk in those doors. You immediately know you’re part of a family.”

Principal Mooneyham has been an educator for 15 and a half years, 14 of which were in DCSD. She did go to college—three, in fact. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching from Kennesaw State University, a master’s degree in early childhood education from Georgia State University, and a specialist degree from the University of West Georgia.

Being an educator has shaped Principal Mooneyham into the leader, wife, mother, and overall person she is today. She said it has influenced how she parents her two sons and supports her family and friends.

“There is something so powerful in empowering others,” she said. “I get to wake up every day and find a way to lift up students, staff, and families. When you know you have done that for someone, there is nothing like it.”

Many attributes make a great school leader, such as prioritizing student learning and achievement, creating a positive school climate, and leading by example. For Principal Mooneyham, the most essential attribute is listening.

“Listen first; lead second,” she said. “When you truly listen to your students, staff, and families, you create a community where everyone feels valued and supported.”

Written By: Carla Parker

From Empathy to Excellence: Shawna L. Pickett, Area 2 Principal of the Year at Livsey Elementary School

Livsey Elementary Principal Shawna L. Pickett Named

Area 2 Principal of the Year

During her high school years, those around Shawna L. Pickett encouraged her to pursue a future in education. They saw in her a natural talent, strong leadership in sports clubs, and dedication through her work at summer camps, all clear signs that teaching would become more than just a career. For Ms. Pickett, now principal of Livsey Elementary School, education soon revealed itself not simply as a path forward, but as a true calling: a lifelong commitment to serving others through learning.

“Being an educator and a principal has profoundly shaped who I am, personally and professionally. This journey has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of leading with empathy,” said Ms. Pickett.

After completing her undergraduate degree at Emory University and earning a Specialist’s degree in Educational Leadership from Mercer University, Ms. Pickett has spent 26 years proudly answering that call, dedicating her entire career to the DCSD.

“Each day, I have the privilege of influencing lives, building a positive school culture, and supporting students and staff in reaching their full potential.”

Her deep commitment to staff and families distinguishes her as the principal of Livsey Elementary School and has led to her recognition as Area 2 Principal of the Year. Mrs. Pickett has served as Principal of Livsey for nine years, following four years as Assistant Principal.

During her leadership, Livsey has achieved remarkable accomplishments. The school has been recognized as a Title I Distinguished School five times since 2019 (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024), honored as a Title I Reward School in 2024, and awarded the GaDOE Math Leader Award in 2024 for excellence in mathematics instruction. These recognitions reflect Livsey’s ongoing academic growth and commitment to excellence.

Beyond awards, the Livsey Science Olympiad Team has represented DeKalb County School District at the State Science Olympiad Competition for more than 12 consecutive years, a testament to the dedication of students and teachers. In addition, the school became STEM certified in 2020, strengthening its foundation in innovation and academic rigor.

Written By: Frida Flores

A Calling That Turned into A Lifelong Career

Rainbow Elementary Principal Dr. Carolyn Benson named Area 3 Principal of the Year

Being an educator could be considered a calling from God for Dr. Carolyn Benson, Principal of Rainbow Elementary School. Not only does teaching run in her family, but she was bitten by the teaching bug at the age of 12. Her church needed someone to teach the younger Sunday school class, and her pastor asked her to do so; she accepted the offer.

“I loved it,” said Dr. Benson. “Throughout my school years, I was often chosen by teachers to lead or monitor the class in their absence. I naturally stepped into a leadership role at home, too, helping younger siblings with homework and school success. All of these experiences pointed me toward a life in education, a path I feel was chosen for me early on.”

Her path in education has been rewarding and awarding as Dr. Benson was named Area 3 Principal of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Benson is now eligible for the DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) Principal of the Year award, which will be presented on November 1 at the District’s 12th Annual Academy of Educational Excellence Awards Gala. She said it feels amazing to be selected by her peers as the Area 3 Principal of the Year.

“We are a cohesive and supportive group of principals, and each of us is deserving of this honor,” said Dr. Benson. “I’m truly excited and humbled that they chose me this year.”

Rainbow Elementary staff and students honored their Area Principal of the Year on September 24 with a “wonderful celebration.”

“As the principal, you'd think I’d know everything going on in the building—but they managed to keep this one a complete secret! Even my husband was in on the surprise,” said Dr. Benson. “The celebration was beautifully decorated in my sorority colors—pink and green—which made it even more special. I was especially touched that the planning committee invited back many of the teachers who were part of the early years of my principalship.”

Dr. Benson has been the principal of Rainbow Elementary for 15 years. She lives near the school and believes Rainbow is a true neighborhood school.

“I live just eight minutes away and feel deeply connected to the community,” she said. “I love our students, faculty, staff, and families. Many see me as a fixture in the community, and I carry that badge of honor with pride.

Dr. Benson, an Alabama native, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville. She began working on her Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, but completed it at Georgia State University. She later earned both her Specialist and Doctorate degrees in Educational Leadership from Argosy University in Atlanta. She said being a principal has been a good, positive experience for her.

“I genuinely love what I do and feel grateful every day for the opportunity to serve, lead, and grow with my school community,” she said. “Just as the old proverb says, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ it takes the collective effort of all stakeholders—students, staff, families, and the broader community—to create a school culture and climate we can all be proud of. Collaboration, consistency, and care are key.”

Written By: Carla Parker

Source of Guidance and Encouragement for Others

Champion Middle Principal Antoine Rhodes named Area Middle School Principal of the Year

For Antoine Rhodes, proud principal of Champion Theme Middle School, being named the Area Middle School Principal of the Year represents not only a professional achievement but also a reflection of the commitment, dedication, and collaboration of the entire school community, teachers, staff, parents, and students.

“My staff shares this accomplishment with me because they truly understand the important role they play in my success. Their love and support mean so much to me,” said Mr. Rhodes with gratitude.

This recognition is no coincidence. It is the result of years of dedication, leadership, and genuine service qualities that have guided Rhodes since his earliest steps in education. From a young age, he discovered his calling while working with children in the Head Start program, where his mother was employed, and volunteering at his former middle school’s summer program.

“During those experiences, I saw firsthand how dedicated teachers and leaders can transform lives. I understood the power of education and the difference a caring adult can make. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be that same source of guidance and encouragement for others,” recalls Rhodes.

With over 28 years of experience in education, including 25 years in the DCSD, Mr. Rhodes has made a lasting impact. He has served as principal of Champion for 11 years, following 11 years as assistant principal and three years as a teacher at both Freedom and Champion Middle Schools. He holds degrees from Georgia Southern University, Cambridge College, and Argosy University.

For Rhodes, being an educator and a principal has transformed his life in many ways.

“Being an educator and principal has enriched my life through the meaningful relationships I’ve built with students, staff, parents, and the community. These connections have not only strengthened our school but have also shaped me as a person and as a leader.”

Mr. Rhodes describes his most excellent satisfaction as principal as seeing the academic and personal growth of his students and working with parents who are true partners in their children’s success. He also values leading a passionate teaching staff that challenges and supports students to reach their full potential.

Under his leadership, the school has achieved numerous accomplishments in both the arts and athletics. In 2024 and 2025, several band scholars were selected to perform in prestigious honor bands, including the Samford University Honor Band, the Nashville African American Wind Symphony Honor Band, the Wright State University Honor Band in Ohio, the Athena Virtual Honor Band, the Reinhardt University Honor Band, the University of Georgia MidFest Honor Band, and the GMEA (Georgia Music Educators Association) District 4 Honor Band.

Likewise, the athletic program has flourished under his direction. In 2015–2016, Champion earned its first DeKalb County All-Sports Trophy, recognizing the district's best overall middle school athletic program. In 2019, the school won the DeKalb Middle School Football Championship, and the girls’ basketball team captured district titles in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2023. These athletic successes are a testament to the spirit of perseverance, discipline, and teamwork that defines the Champion community.

The recent recognition of Champion Theme Middle School as the Area Middle School of the Year is, without a doubt, a testament to Mr. Rhodes’s visionary leadership and the collective effort of the entire Champion Family. A surprise hallway celebration organized by his staff marked this accomplishment with joy and shared pride, a moment that, in his words, he “will never forget.”

Written By: Frida Flores

A Principal With a ‘Spirit of Service’

DSA Principal Dr. Keith Jones Named High School Area Principal of the Year

When walking the halls of DeKalb School of the Arts (DSA), you won’t be surprised to see Principal Dr. Keith Jones interacting with students, teachers, and other staff members. Whether it is with a smile, fist bump, or encouraging words, Dr. Keith Jones is always there to uplift and serve others in any capacity.

“I became an educator because I have a ‘spirit of service’ and a genuine desire to help others,” said Dr. Jones. “I am driven by purpose, not ego. This matters because in the business of education, the ‘spirit of service’ fosters trust, cooperation, and resilience.”

His ‘spirit of service’ has led him to be awarded the title of Area High School Principal of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Jones is now eligible for the DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) Principal of the Year award, which will be presented on November 1 at the District’s 12th Annual Academy of Educational Excellence Awards Gala. Dr. Jones said receiving this award is gratifying and humbling.

“It’s gratifying not for the achievement itself, but because it came from those individuals I work closely with and respect, my peers,” he said. “Humbling because I did not become an educator for recognition, I became an educator because it is an honor to serve scholars. This recognition is for those individuals who paved the way for me to be recognized and reminded me to stay modest, thankful, and mindful of the responsibility of being a leader.”

Dr. Jones has been in education for 29 years, with 22 years in DCSD and four as principal at DSA. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in music education from Virginia State University in 1996, his master’s in educational leadership from Jacksonville State University in 2004, and his specialist degree in 2006. He also earned his doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Argosy University in 2009. Being an educator and principal has enabled Dr. Jones to support others in ways he could never have imagined.

“The impact and the feeling of knowing you are positively helping someone is immeasurable. Whether you are shaping the minds of future scholars, sharing knowledge with growing leaders, providing equity and access, or just encouraging creative and critical thinking, it matters,” he said. “My life is better because I chose to educate myself so that I could educate others.”

It is the students who are the highlight of being a principal, for Dr. Jones. He calls them “creators, critical thinkers, and risk takers” who thrive on “experimentation, complex ideas, and are not afraid to challenge the status quo.”

“Their passion, performance, and authenticity elevate every experience, which makes leading them both intellectually rewarding and emotionally fulfilling. I always felt like being a principal was a calling—not a job,” he said. “I was called to lead DeKalb School of the Arts, and my mission is to leave it even in better hands than when I arrived—stronger, more supported, and ready for whatever comes next.”

Written By: Carla Parker

“Serving as an Educator and Principal Has Given My Life Purpose”

Martin Luther King, Jr. High School Principal Michael Alexander Named Horizon Area Principal of the Year 2025–2026

Reflecting the mission of his alma mater, Morehouse College, which seeks to “educate men with disciplined minds who lead lives of leadership and service,” Mr. Michael Alexander, principal of Martin Luther King High School, exemplifies those ideals in every aspect of his educational career.

With over 21 years dedicated to education, including eight years serving as principal at Martin Luther King HS, Mr. Alexander has become a transformative leader, committed to excellence, equity, and community. His dedication, along with the collective effort of his staff, has earned him the distinction of Horizon Area Principal of the Year 2025–2026.

“This recognition truly reflects the collective efforts of our students, teachers, staff, and families,” Mr. Alexander shared. “For me personally, it reinforces that the small things we do each day, focusing on instruction, student support, and school culture, add up to meaningful change.”

Under his leadership, MLK HS launched the SAFE (Student and Family Engagement) Center, one of the first in the district, offering essential resources such as food, clothing, and mental health supports. In partnership with Goodr, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, the school also opened the Lion’s Den Grocery Store, the first of its kind in the district, to combat food insecurity and strengthen community ties.

Through initiatives like “Operation Graduation,” MLK HS achieved the highest graduation rate in its history, reflecting Mr. Alexander’s focus on data-driven instruction and student success. Additionally, the school’s NJROTC program earned national recognition as a “Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors” from the U.S. Navy, highlighting the school’s commitment to leadership, discipline, and civic engagement.

True to his commitment to lifelong learning, Mr. Alexander earned a master’s in educational leadership from The George Washington University, which equipped him with the vision to lead in complex, urban school systems. He later completed the Georgetown Leadership Program through DC Public Schools, an experience that sharpened his skills in strategic leadership and equity-driven decision-making. Mr. Alexander holds an Education Specialist degree (Ed.S.) and is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Throughout his career, he has participated in national leadership programs through AASA, Howard University, and HYA, all of which have reinforced his mission to promote equity, instructional excellence, and student success. Mr. Alexander attributes his passion for leadership and service to his deep belief in the transformative power of education.

“Every day, I see the direct impact of leadership on students’ futures, whether that’s helping a senior walk across the graduation stage, supporting a teacher to grow in their practice, or building partnerships with the community,” he reflected. “I had educators who invested in me, and I wanted to provide that same opportunity for young people. Every student success story I’ve witnessed reaffirms why I chose this profession. Our presence and persistence truly make a difference.”

Mr. Alexander encourages his colleagues to lead with consistency, integrity, and empathy, values he considers essential to building a thriving school culture.

“The key is to build trusting relationships with teachers, students, and families,” he said. “Hold high expectations, model professionalism, and celebrate every success along the way. Culture isn’t built overnight, but when you create an environment where people feel respected, supported, and inspired, you see it reflected in the pride your community takes in the school.”

Written by: Frida Flores

Inspiring a Love of Learning: Dr. Laura Neely Recognized for Outstanding Leadership and Dedication

Since she was a little girl, Dr. Laura Neely had known she would be a teacher. She loved school growing up and believes the education field is where she belongs.

“Even now, as a school leader, I find ways to teach both students and adults,” said Dr. Neely. “It remains such a joy to be the spark for someone else’s learning and to see that lightbulb moment when things click.”

That joy and love for educating led to Dr. Neely being awarded the title of Area Specialty Principal of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Neely is now eligible for the DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) Principal of the Year award, which will be presented on November 1 at the District’s 12th Annual Academy of Educational Excellence Awards Gala. Dr. Neely was the principal at Kittredge Magnet School before being promoted to interim director of K-12 in the Division of Curriculum & Instruction on October 20.

Before she transitioned to her new role, her Kittridge family showered her with congratulations and praise after receiving the Area Specialty Principal of the Year award. Parents and staff held a parade in the morning carpool line the following morning with cars decorated with balloons and signs.

“The honking was out of this world! Students arrived at school with homemade posters, handwritten notes, flowers, and gifts,” said Dr. Neely. “It was hard not to smile when I walked down the hallways that day to a constant stream of ‘Congratulations, Dr. Neely!’ from every direction.”

The teachers also performed a Wonder Woman-themed skit to celebrate her superheroine qualities as a school leader. Being the Area Specialty Principal of the Year is an honor for Dr. Neely.

“There are so many phenomenal leaders in our district, so to be recognized among them is humbling and energizing at the same time,” she said. “It’s one of those moments that makes you pause and reflect on how rewarding this work really is.”

Dr. Neely has been an educator for almost 30 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Ohio University in 1996. In 2005, she completed her master’s degree in Middle Grades Math and Science at Brenau University, and in 2011, she received her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Mercer University. She began teaching in DeKalb in 1999 after a two-year teaching stint in Dayton, Ohio.

She taught at Shadow Rock Elementary for two years before moving to Kittredge to teach math. She was promoted to assistant principal at Kittredge in 2007, then became principal at Oak Grove in 2010 before returning to Kittredge as principal in 2013. She said the best part about being Kittredge’s principal for over a decade was the people.

“The students are bright, funny, and full of ideas,” she said. “The teachers are dedicated and innovative, always willing to go the extra mile. And the families are incredibly supportive. It’s truly a community that believes in the power of learning and belonging.”

Her advice to current and future schoolhouse leaders: “Lead with authenticity and listen more than you talk.”

“Celebrate people often, communicate clearly, and make sure your team knows they matter,” she added. “When you build trust and joy into the daily rhythm of school life, growth, achievement, and collaboration naturally follow.”