by Hanna Singh
Simsboro principal, Lacey Holcomb, has been named the Lincoln Parish School District Principal of the Year. Having served in the Lincoln Parish School system for 9 years, Holcomb exhibits a passion for the success of students and teachers within her administration.
Holcomb began her career in education as the ELA teacher at Simsboro school. After serving in this position for 5 years, she was promoted to the ELA Instructional Coach for a year. During this time, Holcomb went back to school to get her master’s degree in educational leadership. Although she wasn’t sure if she would get the position, Holcomb applied for the role of principal at Simsboro when the job became available.
Her dedication to teaching and willingness to return to college paid off when she was named the new principal of Simsboro School. Although teaching holds a soft spot in her heart, she enjoys her new role in working with the staff in a higher capacity.
“I loved teaching very much,” Holcomb said. “But being principal, what I enjoy so much is working with the teachers and helping them enjoy their goals. Weather it’s in the classroom or in their own career journeys, I want to help them succeed in the way they hope to.”
Going on in her fourth year as principal, Holcomb has made a positive impact on the school during her time in administration. Lincoln Parish Superintendent, Ricky Durrett, praised Holcomb’s role in helping Simsboro accomplish a notably high rating.
“Congratulations to Lacey Holcomb on being named LP schools principal of the year,” Durrett said. “Her leadership and dedication make a tremendous impact on our students, staff and community. It is a great accomplishment for Simsboro School (PreK-12) to earn an “A” rating from the state.”
The accomplishment comes after a year of high accomplishments from Simsboro School, including retaining their “A” rating for the third year in a row. The PreK-12th grade school also Holcomb humbly accepted the award, giving credit to her colleagues and staff that have supported her over the years.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award. But I know it’s in large part because of my faculty and staff,” Holcomb said. “I couldn’t do this job without the people around me. I give the credit to my staff. We set some pretty lofty goals when I stepped into this role, and we have all worked hard to achieve them. I’m so grateful to the people in Lincoln Parish who have mentored me. Emily Howell being one of them. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else because Lincoln Parish really is just a great place to be.”
Chief Academic Officer, Emily Howell, highlighted what makes Holcomb a deserving recipient for the award and what she has done for the school.
“What makes Mrs. Holcomb ‘principal of the year’ is her relentless pursuit of what is best for students”, Howell said. “The students are her north star, guiding every decision. This mindset is what has driven the notable growth at Simsboro.”
With Holcomb and her dedicated staff beside her, Simsboro will continue to grow and succeed. Holcomb’s passion and pursuit of excellence have pushed her school toward the goals that she envisioned for its future.
