Article by staff writer Ceara Nolan

 

Leigh Dunavant will lead a new team of administrators for the 2016-2017 school year as Godwin’s new principal.

“I couldn’t be more excited.  It is a wonderful opportunity and I am so grateful to be selected,” said Dunavant.

The position was available after Beth Smith, Godwin High School’s current principal, announced her resignation.

Smith’s resignation will take effect  July 1, 2016, as she moves on to become Patrick Henry High School’s new principal.

According to Dunavant, the honor is made more special because the newly appointed principal graduated from Godwin.

“It feels strange, but wonderful at the same time.   I have spent time at Godwin my whole life, it seems.  I spent part of my childhood living in Raintree and my father, sister, and I would walk to football games.  My sister, brother, and I all graduated from Godwin, and we all loved our time here.  It feels like home to my family and me,” said Dunavant.

Dunavant’s former associate principal position will go to current Godwin assistant principal John Phillips.

Another announcement came from Louise Foley, one of the assistant principals, who stated that she would retire after fourteen years with Godwin.

“My husband misses me and wants to spend more time with me. I also would like to do some traveling and spend time with my grandchildren,” said Foley.

Mindy Guyer, the French and leadership teacher at Godwin, was named assistant principal, replacing Foley.

Phillips’ promotion to associate principal created an assistant principal vacancy. The open position was filled by new staff member Carl Torrence.

Torrence formerly worked at Hermitage High School, Highland Springs High School, and the Academy at Virginia Randolph.

“I look forward to meeting the students and building relationships with all stakeholders,” said Torrence.