by Hanna Singh
Hillcrest Elementary School announced Becky Sutherland as its new principal, following years of dedicated service in the Lincoln Parish School District. Sutherland looks forward to being an active part of the educational framework Hillcrest provides to families and children in the community.
Sutherland began her educational career at Hillcrest Elementary in 2010 as a 4th grade teacher, where she transitioned into Ruston Elementary to teach 3rd and 4th grade. She returned to Hillcrest as a 2nd grade teacher and later served as the ELA and Math instructional coach. Most recently, Sutherland served as the coordinating teacher at Hillcrest Elementary. Sutherland expressed her gratitude for her many years of involvement in the Lincoln Parish School District.
“This journey has been very fulfilling as I have met and worked alongside so many wonderful people who have touched my life along the way,” Sutherland said. “These relationships and experiences have truly written my professional story.”
As the new principal, Sutherland shared plans to build on the firm foundation Hillcrest has established in the past. She discussed new literacy initiatives and incentives to fuel reading achievements in the upcoming school year, along with plans to strengthen the STEM program.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who has believed in me and supported me in this accomplishment,” Sutherland said. “I am humbled and grateful to have this opportunity to serve Hillcrest students and their families, an amazing faculty, and the many community members connected to our school.”
Lincoln Parish School Board Superintendent, Ricky Durrett acknowledged Sutherland’s educational excellence and shared his confidence in her capabilities as the new principal.
“I think it will be a really smooth transition for her to move into that spot. She has a lot of experience with the K-2 schools and their curriculum,” Durrett said. “There’s excitement among faculty and staff for her coming and I think she’ll do a great job in the position.”
