It’s not unusual for an assistant principal to eventually form a strong bond with the secretary. But in the case of Central Middle School Assistant Principal Twyla Lee and Secretary Natavia Raymond, they had a huge head start — Raymond was Lee’s former seventh-grade student!

Lee reflected on her heartwarming journey with the school’s new secretary. “During my tenure as Natavia’s seventh-grade American History teacher, she was quiet, but always a good student,“ Lee remembered. “Finding out Natavia was my secretary, I instantly became overjoyed. Since being in this role, Natavia’s email correspondence, word choices, and dependability have impressed me. To feel I had some influence on that melts my heart.”

Distance and life transitions were not a roadblock for Lee to continue championing Raymond through consistent positive encouragement while on her pathway to beginning a career. 

“I have always respected Ms. Lee,“ explained Raymond, who started her position with Central Middle School this school year. “We had a student-teacher bond, but now she is my colleague. To be in the office daily with Ms. Lee feels amazing. At times, I have been speechless because she was my seventh-grade teacher. Ms. Lee has instilled in me the importance of always being willing to help others. Through encouragement, people need to see their best sides. Not only is Ms. Lee a mentor to me, but she inspires me.”

Lee shared that working in education for the past 23 years is a testament to service and dedication. The commitment to lifelong learning is the driving force of the journey. The student/teacher learning dynamic goes both ways.

“In working with the era of students now, we have to be culturally relevant. Natavia is closer to them and keeps me culturally relevant. Because of this, I use real-world connectors when talking to the students to help them see what is going on. Our working relationship is an equal mentoring opportunity, and I look forward to its growth.”

Lee and Raymond are the perfect examples of the teamwork and communication the Hazelwood School District strives for. We look forward to their working relationship positively impacting staff and students.