"I fell in love with teaching. That ‘eureka moment’ when a student gets it, their eyes light up—there’s nothing like it. I realized this was my calling.

Being a principal is rewarding, but it’s a huge responsibility. I’m not just teaching kids to read and write—I’m helping shape productive citizens. It’s about helping them be socially aware, responsible, and part of something bigger than themselves. I want my staff to feel valued too, because when they do, it impacts the students.

Our test data speaks for itself, but the real difference lies in the relationships we build and the culture we create. Outside of work, I don’t code-switch—I’m the same person at home and at school. I spend a lot of my personal time reflecting on how to serve others better and be a better leader.

Being a principal means leading by example. I try to model the principles I want to see in my students and staff. I believe in giving grace to both students and adults because we’re all learning and growing. Our work isn’t just about test scores; it’s about creating a community where everyone feels they contribute to something bigger. Our goal is constant improvement—breaking barriers and providing every child a transformative experience.

I tell my eighth graders, ‘When you leave here, I want people to recognize that you came from this school.’ I want them to stand out, not just for their academics but for their social skills and sense of ownership over their learning. I’m always pushing for better—there’s no room for complacency. Every day is an opportunity to improve, and that responsibility is something I take seriously.

At CBAMS, we don’t just create students—we create life experiences. From student government to our clubs, every part of our school is intentional. We develop not just academic skills, but character, creativity, and confidence. We think big in everything we do, and our students love being here—they’re excited to learn, connected, and motivated.

My leadership at CBAMS is about setting the tone, holding students to high expectations, and ensuring they know their choices today impact their future. I engage with them directly to ensure our expectations stick.

Ultimately, my legacy isn’t about test scores or college acceptance rates—it’s about the lives we touch, the futures we shape, and the pride we instill in our students. I want every student to leave CBAMS knowing they have the tools, mindset, and skills to succeed in whatever comes their way."

-Leyde St. Leger