Having lived my entire life in either North or South Carolina, I consider myself a true Carolinian. Roger Talton left England in 1688 for Virginia. He ended up in Johnston County in 1755; my family has been here ever since. I am an alumnus of the University of South Carolina in Columbia where I received a B.A. in Journalism. I also am an alumnus of Clemson University where I earned a Master's Degree in City and Regional Planning. Putting my degrees to work, I became the grants writer, coordinator and administrator for the City of North Charleston, S.C.

I moved back to N.C. in 1996 and partnered with my father in a family-owned commercial roofing company. Surviving a life-altering burn accident, I took the advice of a very astute, maiden aunt who had always said I should be an educator. So, I obtained licensure through Campbell University and am now very happy to be teaching eighth grade at McGee's Crossroads Middle School. My certifications include high school social studies and middle school language arts and social studies.

My wife, a nurse at WakeMed, and I were married in Charleston, S.C. and we have one daughter that attends Appalachian State University. We three now live near Benson on a 40- acre farm that has been in my wife's family for seven generations. I am a voracious reader- my favorite genres being historical fiction, historical non-fiction and Southern Gothic.

When not on our farm or at school, one may find me in Columbia, S.C. with 85,000 garnet and black-clad enthusiasts enjoying Carolina Gamecock football. I also love to "recharge my batteries" among the live oaks, Spanish moss, sea breezes and abundant wildlife found on Edisto Island, S.C., which, to me, is the most sublime of places.

I grew up in the Cleveland community and attended Cleveland when it was K-8. I also graduated from South Johnston High School. I am excited to be a member of the Mustang family, as faculty. Here's to a fantastic academic year for all students, faculty, and parents/guardians.

Sincerely,

Mr. Lee