2008 seemed to have been the year of “change.” And a major change is exactly what the students, faculty and community of Lanier High School got when the Jackson Public School District announced the new leaders for the 2008-2009 school years. That change came in the form of Shemeka McClung, Ph.D, the first female to be “commander-in-chief” at the 84-year-old education facility.
A four-time graduate of Jackson State University, McClung humbly prides herself with the philosophy of knowing that people are different.
“As an educator, mother, sister, daughter, wife, and new school principal, I have come to learn that people are made up of many different characteristics,” said McClung on her philosophy.
The first year principal started out in the education field as a learning specialist for Sylvan Learning Center. And in an eight-year span her career matriculated from that position to teacher, educational specialist, grant manager, assistant principal to principal, a title that her staff says she wears well.
“Dr. McClung is a person that believes that children are our business,” said 10th grade language arts instructor Suleana Webb. “She makes sure that teachers are ensuring that students are working at their best” – something that McClung feels is second nature.
“My role as principal is to be a service to the community and that the students are at school daily and getting the quality education needed to go on and excel at life,” said McClung.
And that attitude is rubbing off on the students McClung interacts with on a day-to-day basis. Ask 10th grade student Joshua Stiller and he will agree that McClung’s presence is much needed and appreciated.
“She (McClung) pushes me and you will always find her pushing all of us,” said Stiller. “She is always encouraging students and asks that we do our best and strive for excellence.”
Community leaders and alumni were at first apprehensive when it was announced that Lanier would have its first female principal. A resistance that was short lived after Ward 3 Councilman and Lanier High School alum Kenneth Stokes witnessed first hand that McClung was a wise choice.
“She has stepped in and filled the gap and I don’t believe Lanier has missed a step,” said Stokes. “From what I see, teachers are teaching and students are learning. The halls are clear when I go in and there is no sign of foolishness. She is doing an excellent job.”
With the support of the community, McClung’s first year has been successful.
“I am so blessed to have been embraced by the community. That is something that is extremely important. I count it a privilege to have this support from our adopters, the Jackson Police Department, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, community leaders, alumni, everyone,” said McClung. “This has been a fast moving year and so far I’m keeping up.”
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