The Halifax County School system has named new principals for the 2023-24 school year.

Southeast

Kenneth Perry Jr. was named principal of Southeast Collegiate Prep Academy.

Perry will enter his 16th year of education, serving multiple instructional and administrative roles in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout Virginia and North Carolina.

Perry, a native of Jacksonville, graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in 2005. While enrolled at A&T, Perry was a collegiate athlete, earning several honors in football as well as track and field. 

Perry used his knowledge and experience in both sports after college to begin a career in education as a math teacher and coach. 

“Lessons learned in the classroom and on the athletic fields can easily transform into life skills used to build character, develop a strong work ethic, and gain communication skills needed to succeed in society,” Perry said.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kenneth Perry Jr. as the new principal of Southeast Collegiate Prep Academy for the upcoming school year,” said Superintendent Eric Cunningham. “With his extensive background in education and leadership roles, we are confident that he will be an excellent addition to our team. We look forward to working with him to continue to support our students and staff.”

Perry is the son of Kenneth and Vivian Perry of Rocky Mount, who he credits with instilling in him high moral values and principles that continue to guide him throughout his life. 

Perry’s older sister, Katrina, an educational leader, also fostered early on in his career a focus on students' academic and social-emotional development. 

Perry and his wife, Amber, live locally with their five children Jayden, Sascha, Kali, Kendall, and Kenneth (Trey).

In the gallery from left: Johnson, Marrow, Perry and Tracey

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Hollister

The Halifax County Board of Education has approved the superintendent’s recommendation of Lorane Johnson to serve as the principal of Hollister Elementary Leadership Academy. 

Johnson firmly believes that school should be a place of joy and that all students can learn when given the opportunity. She is a proud product of Halifax County Schools.

As a first-generation college student, she was awarded the Ethel Crawley Memorial Fund Scholarship and earned a bachelor of science in business administration from North Carolina Wesleyan College. 

After a short period of working in a local credit union, she began her career in education in 2011 as a lateral entry teacher. 

Johnson then earned a master of science in curriculum and instruction from Shaw University with an add-on licensure in K-6 elementary education. 

In addition, she holds certification in B-K education. In 2020, she was recognized as Teacher of the Year for Enfield Middle STEAM Academy.

“We are pleased to have Ms. Johnson as our new principal, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on the school and community,” said Cunningham. “Ms. Johnson's impressive educational background and passion for serving her community makes her the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that Hollister Elementary Leadership Academy will continue to thrive and provide excellent education to all students under her leadership.”

Johnson has also funded and operated a community summer camp in her hometown of Hollister.

This year she completed her principal residency at Everetts Elementary STEM Academy and earned a master of science in school administration from North Carolina State University. 

Her lifelong goal is to provide economically disadvantaged students with high-quality educational opportunities. 

Aside from work, she is a proud wife and mother of five children who inspire her to strive for greatness.

Pittman

Jewel Marrow has been appointed principal of Pittman Elementary Leadership Academy. 

Marrow is a resident of the Tillery community.

She was educated in Halifax County Schools graduating from Scotland Neck High School.

Marrow earned a bachelor of arts in public administration from North Carolina Central University and received her K-6 certification from North Carolina Wesleyan. 

She also has a master of education in administration and is a National Board Certified Teacher-Early Generalist. 

All of her 30-year educational career has been in Halifax County. 

She began her career as a teaching assistant in kindergarten and then taught first and third grade before becoming an instructional coach. 

She has served as an assistant principal in both elementary and middle schools. 

She has served as the Innovative Partnership Grant coordinator at Enfield Middle for three years. 

Marrow believes that all students can and want to learn. “Our job is to meet them where they are and move them forward.”

The school system said Marrow is a dedicated community member who actively participates in various organizations and strives to create a positive impact in her community. 

She serves as a trustee at Tillery Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and is also the secretary for the Halifax County Board of Elections. She is the treasurer for the Tillery Volunteer Fire Department Relief Fund Board of Trustees and is an active member of the Enfield-Roanoke Rapids Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“Ms. Marrow's dedication to education and community service is truly inspiring," said Cunningham. "With her 30 years of experience in Halifax County Schools and impressive credentials, I am confident she will positively impact students and the entire community as the new principal of Pittman Elementary Leadership Academy.”

She firmly believes in the power of education and often quotes Nelson Mandela, saying, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." 

Said the school system: “Her passion for education and commitment to community service is evident in her various roles and contributions. Jewel Marrow is an inspiring individual who serves as a role model for others in her community.”

Davie

Anthony Tracey is the new principal of William R. Davie Middle STEM Academy. 

“With a strong commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and community collaboration, Mr. Tracey is poised to lead William R. Davie Middle STEM Academy into a bright future,” the school system said. “With over 22 years of experience in education, Anthony Tracey brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and a passion for empowering students.” 

Previously serving as the assistant principal at Northwest Collegiate & Technical Academy, Tracey “has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the

needs of middle school students. As the newly appointed principal, Anthony Tracey will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience at William R. Davie Middle School. 

“With a focus on fostering a safe and inclusive environment, he is committed to providing students with the tools they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.”

His vision for the school will focus on collaboration and open communication as essentials. “He believes in building strong partnerships with parents, guardians, teachers, and the community to ensure each student receives the support they need to reach their fullest potential. 

“By working together, Mr. Tracey aims to create a positive and nurturing educational culture that celebrates diversity, kindness, and mutual respect.”

Academically, Tracey is dedicated to implementing innovative teaching strategies that engage students and prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century. “He will work closely with William R. Davie Middle STEM Academy’s talented faculty to provide a rigorous curriculum that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a love for lifelong learning.”

Said Cunningham: “Mr. Tracey is a dedicated educator with a proven track record of empowering students to reach for the stars. I am confident he will lead William R. Davie Middle STEM Academy with integrity, passion, and a deep commitment to academic excellence and student well-being.” 

Cunningham said, “Mr. Tracey recognizes the importance of addressing students’ social and emotional well-being while he plans to prioritize character development, resilience, and interpersonal skills, ensuring that William R. Davie Middle STEM Academy remains a supportive and nurturing environment for all learners.”