MOULTRIE, Ga. — Colquitt County Schools announced four promotions, three of them involving Odom Elementary School, on Monday.

“We are excited to have the experience and expertise in these critical roles,” School Superintendent Doug Howell said. “The achievement of our students and schools is the driving motivation in all that we do. We are planning for and looking forward to a successful school year.”

Odom Elementary Principal Trish Lirio has been named 3-12 Science-STEM/Social Studies curriculum director.

Lirio came to Colquitt County in 2006 after teaching and administrative jobs in Palm Beach County, Fla., starting in 1993.

She received a Bachelor of Science in elementary education (prekindergarten-sixth grade) with a reading minor from Palm Beach Atlantic College and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She’s certified to teach English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

“It is my wish to work closely with administrators and the teachers to support them in any way possible,” Lirio said. “Our educators are the most inspiring group of professionals to work with as they have the ability to inspire the future: one concept, one dream, one student at a time. I can’t wait to embark on this new journey.”

Lirio and husband Wil have two children, Tyler and Gabriella.

Stepping into Lirio’s shoes as principal is Marlon Daniels, who served as assistant principal there from 2016 through this past school year.

He served as interim assistant principal at Willie J. Williams Middle School 2015-16, and before that was a health and physical education teacher at both Willie J. Williams (2000-2015) and C.A. Gray Junior High (1998-2000).

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education from the University of Georgia and both master’s and specialist’s degrees in educational leadership from Albany State University.

“I am beyond blessed to be able to serve as the new principal at J.M. Odom Elementary School,” Daniels said. “I consider it an honor and a privilege to have worked in Colquitt County for the past 21 years. We have a great faculty, a great community, and a great student body. I look forward to continuing the positive momentum that we have established. A wise man once said ‘Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.’”

Daniels is married to Norman Park Elementary School Assistant Principal Michelle Daniels, and they have two children, Henry and Marlie.

Odom Elementary’s new assistant principal is Debra Lightsey.

Lightsey has served in a variety of roles since coming to Colquitt County in 2001. Most recently she’s been the elementary math intervention specialist at Hamilton Elementary School, 2017-2019.

Before that she was assistant principal at Willie J. Williams Middle School, 2014-2017; guidance counselor and guidance department head at C.A. Gray Junior High School, 2004-2014; and a health and biology teacher at Colquitt County High, 2001-2004.

Lightsey received a Bachelor of Science degree in health promotions and education from the University of Georgia, a Master of Education in school guidance and counseling from Valdosta State University, and an Education Specialist degree in educational leadership with a gifted endorsement, also from VSU.

“It is an honor and a privilege to join the faculty, parents and students at Odom Elementary,” Lightsey said. “I look forward to an incredible year as we work together towards the common goal of student success. I am excited to serve in this capacity and very thankful for this opportunity.”

Lightsey and husband Doug have two sons, Hayes and Davis.

Funston Elementary School will also gain a new assistant principal, Kati Strickland, who has been at the school since 2010.

Strickland started at Funston Elementary as an instructional provider in the 2010-11 school year. Since then, she has taught third, fourth and fifth grades at the school.

She has a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and an ESOL endorsement, all from Valdosta State University, a gifted endorsement from Coastal Plain RESA, and a Tier 1 Master’s add-on in educational leadership from Albany State University.

“It is a blessing to me to have been selected to help lead the students and staff of the school that I love dearly,” Strickland said. “We are a family at Funston, and I am fully invested in supporting the needs of every staff member and student who walks through the doors each day. As a staff, we are committed to serving each student’s diverse needs with integrity, fidelity, and passion, and I am just proud to be leading and working with the best team I could ask for.”

Strickland and husband Jay have two children, Eli and Allie.