As the school year comes to a close, a new addition has been made to the Lake Ridge family, only this change isn’t completely new. Former Lake Ridge teacher and coach, Ashley Alloway, will be returning to Lake Ridge in a new role, this time as principal. 

When Lake Ridge first opened, Alloway taught AP Human Geography. She moved on to take an assistant principal position at Mansfield High School. Alloway does treasure the memories she made during her first tenure at Lake Ridge, but realizes there is something unique about Lake Ridge that makes it the special place that it is today. 

“I have so many awesome memories, since I was there from day one when it opened. It was really cool watching the traditions and the culture and the school spirit get established. For me, one of the things that makes Lake Ridge special is the way that our students are so generous and kind and compassionate. They showed that through events like Toys for Tots and Beak Week,” said Alloway. 

Despite the happy memories, Alloway realizes there is work that needs to be done. She aspires to expand the classes and programs Lake Ridge has to offer, so students will be able to flourish at the next level. 

“My first goal is to always make sure that the students and the faculty feel safe at school. We want our students to leave Lake Ridge being college, career, and life ready. We also are going to continue to try to grow our Advanced Placement and Dual Credit programs. I always want to focus on building the best fine arts program in the state. We want our athletic, extracurricular, and co-curricular organizations to continue to thrive and grow,” said Alloway. 

Alloway has the advantage of returning to a campus where her work ethic and ability to manage a classroom are already known. AP European History teacher, Brandon Austin, is happy that Alloway will be returning, and is confident in her ability to lead. 

“She is by far the most organized, creative, and talented educator I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I don’t know how things will be different, but I know with her leadership abilities, Lake Ridge will be on the path to being the premiere high school in the area. I cannot wait to serve under Mrs. Alloway and I am ready to get going immediately,” stated Austin. 

As far as her leadership style, Alloway believes in the importance of establishing connections with as many people as possible. 

“I’m a relational leader. I enjoy building strong relationships with students, faculty, parents, and the community, so that they know that they can trust and work with me,” said Alloway. 

Although Alloway isn’t new to Lake Ridge, she will be new to the current student body. She understands the effort needed to build a rapport with each and every student. 

“I’m going to spend a lot of time in the hallways and the cafeteria talking with students. I like to meet with classes as a group to just kind of talk to them as a whole about expectations and their hopes for the year. I’ve already started reaching out to some of the different student leadership organizations, so that I can set up some time to talk with them and get to know them and know a little bit about what’s going on,” said Alloway. 

While Lake Ridge students are being taught to ‘soar into their destiny,’ with Alloway returning to the nest, the students and faculty will have a new mama Eagle to ensure their success.