Dana Road Principal Lashonda Keyes retires

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Lashonda Keyes, principal of Dana Road Elementary School, is retiring from the Vicksburg-Warren School District after 28 years in education. Keyes was honored with a retirement celebration held at the school earlier this month, where staff, students and colleagues recognized her decades of service.

Keyes began her role as principal at Dana Road during the 2017–2018 school year, following the retirement of former principal Sherrie Bourgeois. She had previously served as assistant principal at the school for the 2016–2017 academic year.

Before her tenure at Dana Road, Keyes worked at several schools within the district, including Grove Street Alternative School (now Tiger Academy), Vicksburg Intermediate School and Vicksburg Junior High School.

One of the highlights of her time as principal came in August, when Dana Road was designated a Science of Reading School—one of only seven in the state of Mississippi.

“This designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, staff and students,” Keyes said at the time. “We are committed to providing the highest quality education and ensuring our students have the skills they need to succeed.”

A graduate of Taylorsville High School, Keyes earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Alcorn State University. She also completed further studies in educational leadership at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Keyes leaves behind a legacy of leadership, dedication and a lasting impact on the students and staff of the Vicksburg-Warren School District.