In May the Lumpkin County Board of Education named U.S. Army veteran and Hall County teacher Libbie Armstrong to replace outgoing administrator Nathan Gerrells as the new principal of Lumpkin County Middle School for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Lumpkin County Schools Superintendent Sharon Head indicated in a press release accompanying the announcement that she is “thrilled” to welcome Armstrong to LCMS.
“Her extensive experience, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to student success make her a perfect fit for this role,” Head stated. “We are confident that under her guidance, Lumpkin County Middle School will continue to flourish as a beacon of educational excellence.”
Armstrong noted that Lumpkin County, which has been her home since 1997, holds a special place in her heart.
“I’m excited to work alongside former colleagues and eager to meet new families,” she stated. “The opportunity to serve my community as Principal of LCMS is a great honor.”
LOCAL BACKGROUND
In a subsequent written interview with The Nugget, Armstrong elaborated further on her personal background.
“Growing up, I went to school in Washington State with my mom and spent my summers in Blue Ridge with my dad's side of the family. After high school at Gonzaga Prep and a brief stint at Washington State University, I joined the Army. I was stationed at (what was then) Ft. Benning in 1991 and have lived in the South ever since,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong is proud to have been the first female selected as the U.S. Army Infantry Command (USAIC) Soldier of the Year. She said in her role as a parachute rigger as part of the Airborne School she spent time training at both the Florida and Georgia Ranger camps.
“After active duty, I attended Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, while still serving in the U.S. Army Reserves and North Carolina and Georgia National Guard,” Armstrong said.
After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Education at Appalachian State University, she got her first teaching job right here at Lumpkin County High School.
“In a full circle moment, I interviewed for my first teaching job at LCHS in 1997 with Principal Jean Cooper and AD Bruce Bennett in the same offices in which I will now be honored to serve. I taught AP World History, Economics and Government at LCHS from 1997-2012. I coached softball, tennis, and volleyball, as well as guiding the Key Club, in my time at LCHS,” Armstrong recalled.
Since 2012, Armstrong has served as AD/AP of Chestatee Academy, a grades six through eight magnet middle school in Hall County.
“I had a wonderful experience in Hall County and am grateful for the Chestatee community and Hall County School District for their guidance and care over the last 12 years,” she said.
In addition to her Bachelor’s degree, Armstrong holds a Master’s degree in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Georgia.
“My other relevant education experience includes working for the College Board as an AP World History exam reader, and as an assessment specialist with USA TestPrep, which is now Progress Learning,” she indicated.
LEADERSHIP STYLE
The Nugget asked Armstrong whether her experience in the area of academic testing has influenced her educational approach.
“Of course,” she replied.
“The example that comes to mind is an LCHS student years ago who took AP World History, and had never taken an advanced class previously. He was willing to challenge himself to take the class and ended up scoring well enough for college credit. From working with the College Board, I knew he could get to where he wanted to be, even if he didn't have the prior skill base. I still talk with that student now and it is a source of pride for us both.”
Armstrong also acknowledged the winning academic culture that the Lumpkin County School System has managed to cultivate over the years.
“LCMS is an amazing school, leading the state in academics, athletics and in cultivating the interests, talents and leadership potential of the whole child through the ‘Leader in Me’ program. I would love for our community to know that my door is always open, and that together we can ensure that all the children of Lumpkin County have a championship middle school experience,” she said.
Libbie Armstrong and her husband, Dahlonega native Jeff Armstrong, recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary.
“We have one son, rising 10th grader Rylan Armstrong, who will tell you that the coaches and teachers of LC are the best. I concur!” she added proudly.