SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

 

There are three new faces in the leadership at Highland Home School this year.

Principal Randy Fullington took the helm this summer and Assistant Principals Morgan Cook and Gary Coleman joined him just before school began.

Fullington attended Faulkner University, where he played basketball and earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education.

He brings to the table more than 22 years of experience, spanning three states, where he taught every form of science in grades 7-12, and coached track, baseball, football and basketball.

Fullington hung up his whistle after completing seven years at Greenville High School as the head basketball coach.

He has served as an assistant principal at Luverne School and assistant principal at Hewitt Trussville High School, where he was the athletic director for all Trussville City Schools.

Fullington also has experience at principal, serving in Autauga County.

“It is an honor and privilege to return to Crenshaw County and the Highland Home community,” he said. “I have already developed tremendous pride in our school and this community. The parents, staff and students have made me feel very welcomed here. I hope to provide the leadership that will facilitate a school environment where our teachers provide engaging lessons that meets the needs of each student and will cause them to think critically. Parents, teachers, support staff and administrators have an important role to play in encouraging our students to become active learners who will be college and career ready upon graduation. I am truly honored to be the principal at Highland Home School, and I am looking forward to working with the dedicated faculty to provide the best possible education for our students.”

He is the proud father of two sons Wyatt, a seventh grader and Garrett, a fourth grader.

Assistant principals Cook and Coleman support Fullington.

Cook said she was born into education after both her parents and a brother were educators.

She has a bachelor’s degree in biology education and a masters and educational specialist degree in educational administration.

Cook has a very diverse educational background, having taught in public and private schools, as well as teaching both middle and high school students.

She has also coached basketball and volleyball.

“I am excited about being at HHS and have already fallen in love with the students, parents and teachers,” she said. “It’s so nice to be at a place that feels like a family, and their genuine love for the school is evident. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a small part of the road to success at HHS.”

She is married to Farah Cook and they have two sons, 4-year-old Austin and 2-year-old Ashton.

Union Springs native Gary Coleman makes up the third part of the Highland Home administration, and is passionate about education.

He holds a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and education specialist degree in elementary education, as well as, a master’s in instructional leadership.

He taught third and sixth grades in the Montgomery County Public Schools system, and is an adjunct professor at Alabama State University, where he teaches undergraduate courses that prepare students to become educators.

“I am very excited to work with such a dedicated staff, hard-working students, supportive parents and a caring community,” he said. “I truly believe the meaningful relationships between students, families and the community is the key to educational success. I am excited to start this new chapter in my life, and I’m excited to be a part of this amazing Squadron family.”