Wow! As I look back on the summer and previous school year, “Wow!” is the single word that keeps coming to my mind. It doesn’t say much, but it does summarize how stunned and speechless we all have been as 2020 continues to be a year we will never forget.

As our summer unknowns fade into newer unknowns, I welcome you and pledge that together, we will work so that student and staff safety is our primary focus along with student learning.  If you hear something in the next few weeks, please check with me before responding online or spreading information that may be false.  We Railblazers will be known for hard work and solving our problems, with our ultimate goal of thriving during this time so students may learn at high levels.  I don’t say this lightly as I know it will be a challenge and it will require us all working together, but I do believe it is possible.

Each new school year brings potential and new hope, and we request your partnership with the teachers and administrators as we teach and encourage your children, preparing them for an ever-changing world.  I look forward to a year where we all work hard and thrive together! #WeWereMadeToBeAwesome   #WeAreSelmaStrong

My name is Lisa Graham and I am blessed and honored to begin my first year as the Assistant Principal here at Selma Middle School. I am a Latina born in El Paso, Texas and moved to North Carolina in 2002. Before this new chapter in my life, I began my educational career as a teacher's assistant and bus driver. I have taught Kindergarten, first grade, and K-3 Spanish. I received my Bachelor’s degree from East Carolina in 2012 and completed my Master’s degree in 2014. I recently completed my add-on in school administration at Gardner-Webb in December of 2021.

I am married to my wonderful husband, David, who has been extremely supportive of this long journey. I have four children; Grace, Tomas, Ariana, and Luke, all of whom are my pride and joy. Our family is very active at our church and in my spare time, I enjoy tending to my garden. I am very passionate about students and it is my goal to work hard to make sure each student is successful in their school experience. I consider it a privilege to be a part of the Selma Middle family and the community this year. I look forward to an awesome school year. # WeAreSelma #SelmaStrong.

My name is LaTia Deravil, and I am proud to serve as the Dean of Students AND Assistant Principal Intern at Selma Middle School. Although this is my first year as an administrator, this is my fourth year serving the students and families at Selma Middle. I grew up in Tampa, Florida, and moved to Johnston County in 2018 with my husband and four children. Over the last 3 years, I have served as one of the multi-classroom leaders (MCL) and MTSS Lead here at Selma Middle; and before Selma Middle, I served as a high school math teacher, middle school science teacher, and director of a pre-school in Hillsborough County, Florida. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Florida State University. I completed my Master's in Education in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in Leadership from Liberty University and currently, I am working on my add-on Certificate in School Administration at Appalachian State University. 

I am ecstatic to continue to make a positive impact in education by building strong relationships, increasing student morale, engagement, and achievement, and by creating a safe school environment where students can thrive as they work towards being their greatest selves. I truly believe that “it takes a village to raise a child” and I place confidence in Fredrick Douglas’ statement “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Thank you for allowing me to serve you and the great community of Selma.

#WeAreSelma #SelmaStrong