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Hello, 833 Family! I am Miketa Davis—Smith, and it is with great enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the Assistant Principal for the 2024-2025 school year at Lanier Junior Senior High School. I am incredibly honored to have been chosen to work alongside Dr. Stacey Bailey and the other incredible administrators lead the instructional efforts at LJSHS. I am incredibly fortunate to serve a supportive community of dedicated teachers, involved parents, and diverse learners.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Jackson State University, a Master of Education degree in Special Education and Educational Leadership from Jackson State University, and a Specialist of Education degree in Psychometry from Jackson State University. I am a doctoral student at The University of Southern Mississippi in the Educational Administration P-12 program. 

I have served the Jackson Public School District for 14 years as an Exceptional Education Teacher/ Lead Exceptional Education Teacher. I was promoted to Assistant Principal during the 2022-2023 school year, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve the scholars and the Lanier Junior Senior High School community. As a lifelong learner, I hope my efforts inspire every Lanier Junior Senior High School student to reach for the stars.  Here at Lanier Junior Senior High School, ALL students will be able to acquire the life-long knowledge, skills, and values needed to make significant contributions to their community and wherever life may take them.

When I’m not at Lanier, you can find me enjoying quality time with my family and friends, doing work as a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member, binging on a series on Netflix, or traveling. We thank you for entrusting us with your child(ren).  I look forward to meeting you and your family at LJSHS throughout the year! Students and teachers always need ideas, resources, a helping hand, a mentor, or a lunch buddy, so please be sure to find out how you can help when you stop by the school. In addition, please feel welcome to contact me with any praise, concerns, questions, or ideas via email at midavis@jackson.k12.ms.us or by phone at 601-960-5369. Let’s have a great school year!

Mr. Rodney Johnson is a retired military veteran with 22 years of service in the United States Army. He started his career in education in 2012 as an Army JROTC Instructor at Callaway High School. His commitment to student academic performance contributed to Callaway High School's B rating for 2022-2023. His dedication to scholars has led to his cadets winning the Jackson Public School Cadet of the Year for 5 consecutive years in a row. He had a success rate of over 90 percent of his students in the JROTC program who graduated from High School. 

As Assistant Principal, Mr. Johnson is thrilled to serve and support the dedicated staff, students, parents, and community of Lanier Jr. Sr. High School. His unwavering commitment to education revolves around cultivating profound connections that powerfully shape students’ academic and career goals. By embodying visibility, approachability, fairness, and consistency, he strives to create an environment that significantly impacts teacher outcomes and student achievement.

To nurture students to become successful and productive citizens, I firmly believe that you must create a safe, inclusive, and collaborative school culture.  This includes supporting our teachers and staff and building positive relationships with our students, families, and stakeholders to create a fully engaged school community.

Mr. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and a Master of Education Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He is currently a Southern University student pursuing a Doctoral degree in Education Administration.  

Olivia A. Knight hails from Bay Springs, MS, and resides in Brandon, MS. She is a dedicated educator with a distinguished academic background. Olivia graduated from Bay Springs High School and earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Jackson State University. Furthering her education, she obtained a Master of Education from Grand Canyon University and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Belhaven University. Currently, Olivia is pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Belhaven University.

With an illustrious career spanning 13 years in education, Olivia is committed to lifelong learning and the steadfast pursuit of her calling. She ardently believes in showcasing God's faithfulness through her actions and endeavors to empower students and educators to reach their fullest potential.

Olivia's professional philosophy is encapsulated in the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: "To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart." This motto underscores her approach to leadership, blending intellectual rigor with empathy and compassion.