SANFORD, NC - In her 20th year as an educator, Southern Lee High School Assistant Principal Angela Colvin was selected by her peers as the 2024-2025 Lee County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year. Superintendent Dr. Chris Dossenbach and Central Office staff surprised Colvin during a staff meeting this afternoon in the school media center.
Colvin began her career as an Exceptional Children (EC) teacher at Lee County High School before transitioning over to Southern Lee High School when the school opened. Colvin spent nine years as an EC educator, working her way up to EC Department Chair.
After nine years teaching EC, Colvin began to search for the next step in her career. “It was a time in my life that I felt like it was time for a professional change, but I really was not sure where,” she explained. “One of our former principals, Bonnie Almond, mentioned to me that as an Exceptional Children Department Head, you really are a mini-administrator. She said I should consider administration.”
That nudge from her Principal sparked a change in course for Colvin, who had been thinking about a change to school counseling, but instead entered an administrator development program, the Sandhills Leadership Academy program, and was shortly able to gain her administrator certifications.
A noted solutions-focused administrator, Colvin most enjoys watching students grow from young ninth graders to the accomplished students that cross the stage as graduating seniors. “When I have worked with students who had struggles at times in their high school career, whether it was academics or to just fit in and find their place, when those students are able to make it happen, those are the most rewarding days for me.”
In her first year at the helm of Southern Lee, Principal Amy Lundy has found Colvin’s experience and steady hand to be invaluable. “ I love that she keeps me grounded on keeping first things first. Some people get all wrapped up in data and discipline, but she reminds me and all of us that we have to keep the first things first. We have to love the kids that are here so that they know they are safe and then we can add all of the other things they need,” Lundy explained.
Superintendent Dr. Chris Dossenbach agrees with Lundy’s assessment, “Having worked alongside her at Southern Lee, I’ve witnessed her unwavering dedication and tireless commitment to our students and community. This recognition is a testament to her exceptional leadership and passion for education.”
Colvin smiled as she explained why she loves what she does every day, “The people are the best part. It is a challenging job at times, but whenever you are able to work with families, students, and teachers to solve a problem by helping come up with solutions – not just in the moment but systematic solutions that make life better – it really is rewarding.”