April Harvey (’08,’10,’15)

Throughout my 17-year career in education, I have been fortunate to serve in a variety of roles across elementary, middle, high school and K–12+ settings, but my greatest accomplishment is not just a title or an award—it is the journey of becoming fully who I am as a leader. I often think back to a moment in the spring of 2008, sitting outside the Forrest Drive building at Georgia Southern, waiting for class before graduating.

I was at a crossroads, dreaming about the future and trying to decide whether I wanted to pursue a doctorate in history and become a college professor or go into education and eventually become a principal. I remember calling my dad and telling him I couldn’t decide between the two paths. What I didn’t realize at the time is that I wouldn’t have to choose.

Today, I have the opportunity to live out both callings—to lead as a principal while also teaching, coaching and developing others. That full-circle moment has shaped how I approach leadership. My personal motto has always been to “choose the bigger life” and to simply “be April,” and that authenticity has grounded every decision. What I am most proud of is that every other accomplishment that I have earned were achieved by staying true to who I am—leading with authenticity, building strong relationships and believing deeply in what is possible for students and teachers.

My greatest accomplishment is not just what we achieved, but how we achieved it—by choosing the bigger life and creating a school where others can do the same. As a first-generation college graduate I am incredibly proud of the doors that education, hard work and authenticity have opened for me and holding space for others to do the same is what I am most proud of in this life.

Additionally, I am incredibly proud of the work and transformation of Springfield Elementary School. When I arrived in 2021, the school was identified as a failing school with a CCRPI score of 67 by the state. Through a focused commitment to high-quality instruction, strong systems and a culture of high expectations, our school was recognized as a Title I Distinguished School and Literacy & Math Leader Award winner in both 2024 and 2025. This accomplishment reflects significant student growth and our collective dedication to equity and ensuring all students achieve at high levels. This year, our school has been recognized with the 2026 National High Flying School Award at the Georgia Southern NYAR Conference as a meaningful milestone.