October is Principal Appreciation Month, and Vernon ISD is spotlighting all six of the principals in our district.
One year after serving as a high school assistant principal with Azle ISD, Stefanie Merrell accepted a position as a principal with Vernon ISD. This is now her 9th year with VISD and her first as the principal of the Opportunity Center and DAEP (District Alternative Education Program.)
This is Merrell's 21st year in education, having spent 9 years as a secondary English teacher and 2 years as a campus instructional support facilitator. She was inspired to become a teacher by watching her dad, Bruce Merrell a former teacher/coach at Vernon and Iowa Park, establish positive relationships with students who may not have had anyone else fighting in their corner. She wanted to be able to have that same impact on others.
Merrell's favorite thing about being a principal is watching both students and teachers achieve high expectations, as well as, the relationships (many life-long) she builds with students, teachers, parents, and community members.
Her favorite quote is: "It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up." -- Vince Lombardi