Kenansville Elementary School has a new Assistant Principal

On July 1, 2022, Emily Lanier Sandlin will fill the role of Assistant Principal for Kenansville Elementary School from East Duplin High School, but her technical title will be Administrative Intern (Principal Fellows Program).

“I’m in the principal fellows program at ECU, and our second year is straight internship since we’ve completed the bulk of our coursework,” said Sandlin. “However, because I’m still in the program, my title is “administrative intern.” I’ll be performing the role of Assistant Principal for this year, and hopefully will be reclassified as such at the start of the next school year.”

Sandlin believes in connecting with the students.

“I think a solid education comes from learning through people who are truly interested and involved with you beyond the confines of the classroom,” said Sandlin.

Community involvement is important to her as well. Sandlin would like to see the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) grow, have the ability to showcase local businesses by providing breakfasts and lunches to the teachers from restaurants near the school. She would also like to connect students with their interests in an effort to give them a better idea of what comes next.

“My hope is that I can support the teachers and students in a way that truly impacts all aspects of education… not just test scores.”

Sandlin has been involved in East Duplin Athletics with her husband. They both serve at their church, and their daughter participates in recreational sports in Beulaville.

“A few years ago, I opened a boutique with my friend Heather Houston as well,” said Sandlin. “It’s incredibly important for me to stay connected to the community that made me who I am.”

Sandlin is vested in public education. “Without it, who knows where I’d be.”