School Administrative Team
Allison Strickland - Principal
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Greetings! I am Allison Strickland, the principal of New Kent High School. Before becoming principal at NKHS, I was an assistant principal for four years and taught high school English for ten years. Additionally, I also coached indoor and outdoor varsity track and field with New Kent County Public Schools during this tenure.
I grew up in Hampton, Virginia, graduated from Phoebus High School, and earned my Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Christopher Newport University. I am currently enrolled in the Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership doctoral cohort at William and Mary (Go Tribe!) and completing my Ed.D. dissertation.
I oversee and work with all currently enrolled students at NKHS and their families. My administrative responsibilities include chiefly presiding over the English department, the Fine and Performing arts department, and the Health and Physical Education department. Additionally, I serve as NKCPS’ Freshman Transition Coordinator and Assistant Testing Coordinator.
I am honored to work with the New Kent community each and every day. Please know that I have an “open door policy”. Please feel free to reach out at any time via email, phone call, or appointment. I look forward to the upcoming school year, and all of the many amazing things that we will achieve, accomplish, and celebrate together! #NKStrong
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Wendi James - Assistant Principal
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It is my pleasure and honor to be a part of the New Kent High School family. It is exciting to work in a school community that embraces teamwork and collaboration in an effort to provide the best possible educational program for our students.
I grew up on Long Island, New York. After graduating from Freeport High School in Freeport, New York, I received my BS in Elementary and Middle School Education from Hampton University. My teaching experience includes sixteen years as an elementary and middle school classroom teacher in New Orleans, Louisiana and Norfolk, Virginia. After receiving my Masters in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University, I spent eight years as an administrator in Norfolk and Newport News, Virginia.
My administrative responsibilities include supervision of students’ in grades ten and twelve. I also supervise the Math and Special Education Departments as well as serve as the School Testing Coordinator.
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Chris Leech - Assistant Principal
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Hello!
I am Chris Leech and I am thrilled to join the NKHS family as an assistant principal. This past year I taught 8th grade Social Studies at Manchester Middle School in Chesterfield County. Before that I spent 17 years in Powhatan County as a middle school teacher and administrative aide, and coached at both the middle and high school level.
I grew up in Richmond, VA, graduated from Godwin High School and earned my Bachelors of Arts from Longwood University. I later earned my Masters of Education with Administration concentration from James Madison University.
My role this year includes overseeing grades nine and eleven and supervising the Social Studies, Science, and World Languages department. I will also serve as your Building Safety Lead.