Senior class principal Jenn Sebold is graduating with her students.
Assistant Principal Jenn Sebold has dedicated her life to education for 30 years. Sebold has been at South High for 7 years, but before that, she gained lots of experience from other schools.
“I started at McCluer North for 11 years, principal in Rockwood for six years, I was at West for four years, then head principal at Northeast Middle, but I didn’t like middle school, and I’ve been here since 2018,” Sebold on her journey to finding South High.
At first, Sebold said she wasn’t sure about being a principal and was on track to be a college professor. The first principal she had during her student teaching gave her some advice.
“I told him I wanted to work at college and he told me I should be a principal,” said Sebold.
Sebold talked about everything she’ll miss from her career.
“I think I like the structure of this job. I like when and how we work. I also enjoy the unpredictability, so my day is always different. Mostly I’ll miss the people,” Sebold said.
Sebold said she has made connections with her students and her colleagues.
“The long-standing relationships, staff, best friends from past schools. In my very first year of teaching, I was a varsity cheer coach. I got to be a bridesmaid in a past cheerleader’s wedding, a few years ago. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve made,” she said.
Principal Angie Pappas-Muyco and Sebold have been close friends since she came to South in 2018.
“I feel like every day is an adventure with her. Together we’ve been through a lot. I appreciate that she is someone I can always count on. I’m going to miss her and our stories. We laugh a lot,” Pappas-Muyco said.
Sebold has always supported and cared for South High. Her effect on the school will be long-standing. She has worked hard to make school a great place for everyone and students agree.
“We went to Europe together, on a school trip. Getting to shop in the different countries and try new things with her was fun. Every Homecoming we do the Wobble together. It’s our tradition,” senior DeAsia Gathing said.
Senior Zyon Thompson also shared his favorite memories of his tenure with Sebold.
“One time I got in trouble, and I thought she would see me differently after that, but she never judged me. In everything good and bad, she always had my back. That’s a good trait as a principal, to always have your students’ backs,” Thompson said.
What people might not know about Sebold is her plans after her retirement. Sebold didn’t just want to relax; she wanted to continue positively impacting people’s lives. She is currently in school to become a therapist and, starting in May, she has an internship to learn more about the field.
“I knew I was going to retire and felt like I still had a lot to give to people,” Sebold said.
After many years of education it might be hard to leave, but being a principal isn’t all glitz and glamor. Some things are hard to do, like disciplining students and spending hours trying to better the school community.
“Waking up at 5 a.m. and suspending kids. That’s the worst part of the job,” she said.
Sebold has brought so much to South with her hard work, determination, and her compassion toward the students and staff, according to Pappas-Muyco.
“I’m proud of her dedication to our students and our teachers. I’ve always appreciated her attention to detail and commitment to doing everything at 100%,” said Pappas-Muyco.
Although her seniors are going to be leaving South with her, Sebold will still be missed by all the other students at Parkway South.
“All the kids, from every grade, come to her and talk to her often,” said Gathing.
Thompson said he thinks South will not be the same after Sebold retires.
“It’s Dr. Sebold! Everyone loves Dr. Sebold,” said Thompson.
