Principal's Corner

CORNELIA ELEMENTARY: LET’S RISE UP AND BUILD LEADERS! 

Dear Cornelia Elementary Families,

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your child’s principal this year! After 32 years as an educator in both private and public school settings, I can honestly say that I still wake up during the Eve of the First Day of School excited to begin a new school year! There is nothing quite like the first day of school with sweet children walking into their classes beaming for their first day pictures! Words like "hopeful," "energetic," "eager to learn," and "full of anticipation," barely describe the experience. It is one of the things that make me so thankful to be your child’s principal today. 

I began my journey in education way back in the 80's as an eighth grade teacher in Plano, Texas. From there I moved to Gwinnett, Georgia, and began teaching sixth graders for eight years at Sweetwater Middle School. I enjoyed teaching in a private Christian school in Duluth, followed by serving as a principal of grades 3-5 at that same school. In 2005, my husband and I were able to move to Habersham County, where I was able to work as Assistant Principal at Demorest Elementary and Principal of South Habersham Sixth Grade Academy. In 2010, I became Principal of Fairview Elementary where I had the privilege of leading my kindergarten students through their entire elementary years. Those same students are 2023 HCHS Graduates. What a blessing to congratulate them on the field as they walked proudly in their cap and gown bubbling over with excitement at their great accomplishment of graduating high school and moving forward in their next life journey!  From Fairview, I had the opportunity to be principal at Level Grove Elementary for four years. I thought my time as principal had come to a close in 2020, but another adventure awaits here at Cornelia. Each school experience has been a great joy to me, and I look so forward to being your child’s principal at Cornelia this year! 

When I think back on my first day of school as a teacher right out of college, I remain true to my passion for helping children develop strong character traits, great relationships with others, skills and competencies, and achieve their goals and dreams. This year, I am thrilled to have Mrs. Carrie Trotter and Mrs. Tiffany Copeland work alongside me as the assistant principal. Mrs. Trotter and I worked closely together at Level Grove, and we share a common vision to see Cornelia rise up to new heights. Our school staff will partner with you to provide a positive and invigorating learning environment for your children to learn and grow!  

We are going to have an amazing year together! 

Dr. Darlene Hudson