“I told everyone we had something big coming, but I wouldn’t tell them what it was,” smiled Westwind Elementary Principal Brandy Copeland. “It was hard to keep it a secret!”

On February 8, Coursey walked into the front office to find her family, Frenship ISD administrators, and members of the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) cheering and holding a banner that read, “Congratulations, Rhonda – 2021 Region 17 Assistant Principal of the Year”.

In complete shock, Coursey stood back taking in the surprise, not quite sure what to say as tears welled up in her eyes. “I’m so blessed, so honored, and so grateful,” said Coursey. “It was just so amazing.”

Coursey was nominated by Principal Copeland, and after a competitive selection process, she was named the Assistant Principal of the Year for Region 17, an area that includes approximately 60 school districts.

“I knew I had a special partner with Rhonda,” said Copeland. “I’m just proud of her and felt she was deserving of this award. She literally puts the needs of others ahead of herself, and she’s really in it for the students.”

After posing for pictures with her family and TEPSA representatives, the surprises continued. Principal Copeland made an announcement over the intercom that was followed by cheers and chants of “Coursey, Coursey, Coursey” that could be heard throughout the campus. As Coursey made her way down each hallway, students lined the walls with handmade signs to congratulate her. 

“That was so great. I love all those kids,” smiled Coursey. “It is a blessing to work and serve here, and it’s not really work a lot of the days.”

In her 24 years of education experience, Coursey’s role has changed over the years. Now, as an administrator, she says her main focus is ensuring teachers and students have what they need to be successful.  

“I want to support teachers to help them support and reach their students,” said Coursey. “I want to be the person our teachers can lean on and rely on.”