Turrentine Middle School is pleased to announce the appointment of two exceptional educational leaders as Assistant Principals: Ms. Kelsey Lamanna and Ms. Abigail Oliver. Both bring extensive experience, proven leadership skills, and a shared commitment to fostering student success and positive school culture.
Kelsey Lamanna Brings 14+ Years of Educational Excellence
Ms. Kelsey Lamanna joins the Turrentine team with more than 14 years of experience in K–12 education and an impressive record of supporting student achievement, building positive school cultures, and leading professional development initiatives for staff.
Most recently, Ms. Lamanna served as a principal intern at both Alexander Wilson Elementary and Broadview Middle School, where she played a key role in leading comprehensive school improvement efforts. Her work encompassed supporting family and community engagement initiatives and facilitating instructional planning through data-driven decision-making processes.
Prior to her administrative roles, Ms. Lamanna made a significant impact as the graduation coach at Southern Alamance High School. In this capacity, she spearheaded innovative support strategies that resulted in a notable increase in the school's graduation rate while simultaneously deepening student connections and engagement. Her background in high school science instruction provides her with a unique classroom perspective that enhances her student-centered approach to educational leadership.
"I am thrilled and honored to join the Turrentine community," Ms. Lamanna shared. "Knowing the school's excellent reputation, the dedication of the staff, students, and the strong community ties, I am eager to immerse myself and contribute. My passion for building authentic relationships with all stakeholders stems from a desire to learn from diverse perspectives and collectively build an even stronger and more supportive environment for everyone."
Abigail Oliver Continues Her Journey at Turrentine
Ms. Abigail Oliver has been promoted to Assistant Principal after establishing deep roots within the Turrentine Middle School community. A passionate educator and emerging school leader, Ms. Oliver is dedicated to creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Ms. Oliver recently completed her Master's degree in School Administration through the prestigious North Carolina State University Principal Preparation Program. Additionally, she successfully finished a comprehensive year-long Principal Residency at Turrentine Middle School through the NC State Leadership Academy, an experience that provided her with deep and meaningful connections to the school's established culture, community partnerships, and core educational values.
Throughout her extensive residency program, Ms. Oliver collaborated closely with students, staff, and families, building strong professional relationships while gaining invaluable hands-on experience in instructional leadership, day-to-day school operations, and comprehensive stakeholder engagement. This solid foundation of practical experience and relationship-building will serve her exceptionally well as she transitions into this expanded leadership role.
"I am thrilled to continue my journey at Turrentine Middle School and to further invest in its growth and success," Ms. Oliver shared. "I look forward to building strong partnerships with staff, supporting student achievement, and fostering a positive school climate where all learners can thrive."
Looking Forward
Both Ms. Lamanna and Ms. Oliver bring complementary skills and perspectives that will strengthen Turrentine Middle School's leadership team. Their combined experience in instructional leadership, community engagement, student support services, and school operations positions the school well for continued growth and success.
The Turrentine Middle School community looks forward to the fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and dedicated leadership that both Ms. Lamanna and Ms. Oliver will bring to their new roles.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Assistant Principals Kelsey Lamanna and Abigail Oliver as they begin this exciting new chapter in their educational careers at Turrentine Middle School.