Principal
Golden Howard served in the United States Army prior to his career in education. He began his educational career as a Teacher at Ripley Middle School for six years in the subject area of Math. In 2017, Mr. Howard was named Assistant Principal of the Alternative Learning Academy. Mr. Howard joined the administrative team as an Assistant Principal at Ripley High School in 2020 and has served in that capacity since.
Mr. Howard received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from University of Tennessee-Martin, his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University, and his Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University. Mr. Howard is a product of the district’s leadership development partnership with Lipscomb University, a grant program aimed at growing local, aspiring administrators into qualified and viable administrative candidates.
Assistant Principal/ Curriculum Coordinator
Dr. Amanda Gray is entering her 16th year in education. This is her seventh year as Curriculum Coordinator/AP at RMS. Previously, she taught in Lauderdale County for nine years in general education and special education. Most recently, she served as Lead Special Education teacher at Ripley Middle School for four years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Memphis in 2008 and her Master of Education degree in Special Education from Arkansas State University in 2014. She received her Ed. Specialist degree in Leadership from Arkansas State in 2019 and her Doctorate in Education in 2024.
Dr. Gray is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa and Junior Auxiliary of Lauderdale County. She is married and has two daughters. She was born and raised in Lauderdale County and is excited to continue working within the community.
Assistant Principal
Keyonlia Narcisse has been selected as an Assistant Principal at Ripley Middle School. A Covington High School graduate, she began her teaching career with Tipton County Schools where she served as an Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 teacher. Mrs. Narcisse continued her career as an Algebra 1 teacher at Trezevant High School with Memphis-Shelby County Schools. While at Trezevant, she served as a teacher mentor and Advisor for National Honor Society. She later assumed the role of District Instructional Math Coach for the Innovation Zone (iZone) of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. In this capacity, Mrs. Narcisse provided support and guidance for teachers through data analysis, instructional planning, and professional learning and development. Mrs. Narcisse’s instructional leadership experience will lend itself to Ripley Middle School’s mission of providing high-quality instruction and strong student achievement.
Mrs. Narcisse holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lambuth University and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. She received her Education Specialist degree from Arkansas State University. In addition to her academic experience, Mrs. Narcisse has participated in several professional learning communities to enhance her knowledge of effective instructional strategies to promote student achievement. Mrs. Narcisse is a wife and mother of two.
Assistant Principal
Adrienn Perkins is a 2003 Ripley High School graduate. After high school Mrs. Perkins was a long-time substitute for six years at Ripley Elementary School while perusing her degree completion in higher education. From high school Mrs. Perkins has obtained an Associate of Arts Degree from DSCC 2007, A Bachelor’s of Science in Education from UTM 2012, a Masters in Educational Leadership from Concordia University 2015, and an Education Specialist Leadership from Lipscomb University 2023. Mrs. Perkins has been dedicated to Lauderdale County while serving 12 years as a certified employee at Ripley Elementary School. During Mrs. Perkins tenue at Ripley Elementary School, she taught 4th grade math for 9 years, Cite Coordinator for Project Lead Afternoon Tutoring Program, Cooperating Teacher for University of Memphis, UTMartin, and WGU, transitioned to instructional coach for 1 year, and for the last two years has worked in the capacity of Assistant Principal. During the journey at Ripley Elementary School Mrs. Perkins recognized a need to incorporate a restorative culture that embodied positive learning/change. Her 2022 work at Lipscomb University “Restorative Relationship Practices Promotes Positive Learning” provides the model of being the example in a restorative manner in order to have the positive change for student/staff/community impact! Mrs. Perkins has been named former teacher of the year, recognized nationally by the NAACP, and named as an honorary member of the National Youth Leadership Forum Pathways to STEM. Mrs. Perkins is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. Xi Lambda Omega Chapter, where she was nationally recognized “40 under 40” in outstanding notable community impact. She also is a proud member of Junior Auxillary of Ripley. She also has been a long-time member of Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Perkins believes working in the community, putting kids first, and having joy that surpasses all else in order to make positive impact! Mrs. Perkins is proud wife of (Kevin Perkins) and mother (Kamran & Kaylin Perkins).