REIDSVILLE -- A typical work week for LaRinda Neal often exceeds 60 hours, but she genuinely loves her job. Neal's dedication and hard work was rewarded recently when she was named the Rockingham County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year.
"After 14 years in three elementary schools, transitioning to high school felt like driving without brakes," she said of becoming the assistant principal at Rockingham County High School in 2022.
In her first year, she would often stop students for their hall passes and escort them back to class, but she quickly learned that high school students have more freedom, especially with online and dual enrollment options.
"I started using my time in the hallways - my way of supervising - to learn their names and ask about their favorite school experiences and teachers," Neal said. "These conversations turned into meaningful connections, and watching each senior class walk across the stage at graduation became a true sense of fulfillment year after year."
As assistant principal, Neal's duties include serving as testing coordinator, overseeing the administration of the PSAT, PreACT, ACT, WorkKeys, Check-ins, and EOC's. Her responsibilities also include conducting weekly walkthroughs; handling disciplinary matters; supervising and evaluating teachers; daily morning, cafeteria, and dismissal duty; sitting in on student-centered, IEP and 504 meetings; and attending all extracurricular activities as a secondary administrator.
"As an assistant principal, my leadership philosophy centers around upholding and maintaining the vision and mission set forth by our principal, Mr. Russell Vernon," Neal said. "He views leadership as a chance to serve others, exemplifying this through his actions and a leadership style that emphasizes listening with empathy and an open heart."
Her goals as assistant principal include fostering strong, trusting relationships with all stakeholders and cultivating a positive school culture where students and staff can thrive.
"At Rockingham County High School, we value the involvement of families in our community," Neal said.
She recognizes that achieving student success is a shared responsibility that requires everyone's dedication and collaboration.
"We believe in the power of growth through achievement, reflecting, 'What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals,'" Neal said. "No matter where our students' paths lead after graduation, the support of their families, teachers, and staff ensures they carry forward a strong foundation built on pride, responsibility and respect."
A Stoneville native, Neal describes herself as a "proud product of Rockingham County Schools." She graduated from McMichael High School in 1995. Initially pursuing a career in nursing, she decided to enter the field of education after moving and being encouraged by her cousin, Jamese Black.
"She is passionate about ensuring no one becomes complacent while setting their goals," Neal said. "She has successfully worn many hats in education and encouraged me to start and find my niche."
Neal joined the Rockingham County School System in 2017 as a teacher.
"Dr. Nancy Mark hired me to become one of her Eagles at Douglass Elementary to begin my teaching career in North Carolina," she said.
Before becoming an assistant principal at Rockingham County High, she completed a year-long internship, gaining experience at both Rockingham County Middle School and Dillard Academy Elementary.
An Eden resident, Neal has two sons, Christian and Isaiah Neal.
"They are a constant reminder that it's possible to love someone more than you love yourself," she said.
Her favorite weekend activity is taking a Sunday evening nap after spending time with her parents.
"When it comes to my own time, I prefer quiet moments on my patio, lighting a mosquito-repellent candle and reading a book or reminiscing about 'the good old days' by looking at old photos," Neal said.
When she is ready for some excitement, she enjoys game nights with her family and friends.
"Also, my brother, LaMark, has found a new passion as the sibling travel agent, and my sister LaShonda and I enjoy the scenery from the mountains to the coast with the vacations he plans," she said.
Neal's ultimate career goal is to find or create a role that allows her to do what she is most passion about, helping others achieve their goals from a "balcony-view" perspective.
"I would love to be able to travel between the schools to provide enrichment, maintenance and remediation resources for teachers who may need help meeting academic growth," she said. "I am also eager to collaborate with my esteemed mentor, Dr. Annie Wimbush, to explore facilitating professional development opportunities to help teachers and staff build positive culture in their schools."
Until she finds that perfect fit, Neal is committed to being the best assistant principal she can be at Rockingham County High School.
"I'm proud to be a part of the Cougar Nation," she said.
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