Assistant Principal

A message from our Assistant Principal!

Welcome Back, Baby Roos!

It's with great joy that I step into the role of Assistant Principal at O.W. Dillon Leadership Academy. My journey in education has been deeply rooted in the Tangipahoa Parish School System, where I've served as a teacher, Interventionist, and Literacy Coach. Now, as your Assistant Principal, I bring 13 years of experience and a strong commitment to our school community.  

Education is in my blood. My mother, Josephine Atkins, dedicated over 30 years to teaching, inspiring me to pursue a career in education. I began as a teacher's assistant in 1991-92, later earning a B.S. in General Business from Southeastern Louisiana University.  I worked as a math interventionist, returned to “The Southern University” to receive my alternative certification in teaching, earned a master’s degree in Theology, and earned my master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2020.  

As a proud member of the Tangipahoa community, I am deeply honored to serve in this role. My personal and professional journey has been shaped by this community, and I am committed to its continued growth and success.

Our school community is dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential. On our journey to success, we’ll learn new things and discover strengths and skills we didn't know we had. Now, more than ever, we need to focus on the positive and what we can do rather than what we cannot do.  Remember, "Can't" is temporary - it means we haven’t figured it out yet, but we will as long as we keep trying, don't give up, and believe in ourselves.”  There will always be challenges ahead of us, but it is essential to recognize that those challenges are there to give us a chance to build on the foundation laid before us, take every opportunity to learn and soar.

My commitment is unwavering, and I am eager to work with all of you to ensure that we not only meet but exceed our shared expectations. Together, we will create a nurturing and enriching academic environment for our students. I am compassionate and eager to keep up the great work at O.W. Dillon Leadership Academy to ensure that our baby roos receive the best education possible through the use of academic standards, high-quality instructional material, differentiated learning, a warm, welcoming environment, and promoting a positive, respectful culture of lifelong learners.  Let's work together to reach higher goals!

I am filled with anticipation for the productive, prosperous, and excellent school year that lies ahead. With your support and our collective dedication, I am confident that we will achieve great things at O.W. Dillon Leadership Academy.

Roo Pride!!!! You Know!!!!

Shelia Haywood, Assistant Principal