Philadelphia High School ushers in a new chapter as Sherell Drake takes the reins as principal for the 2024-2025 school year.
Drake, a native of West Point, graduated from West Point High School in 1996. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University. She began her teaching career in 2000 as a 3rd-grade teacher at South Side Elementary School in her hometown.
“I had some wonderful teachers as a child who were very inspirational, stern, and strict,” Drake said. “My mother was my first teacher. She and other educators at West Point molded me and instilled in me a good work ethic and a love for learning.”
Drake also holds Master’s and Specialist degrees from Mississippi State University and certifications in School Leadership, Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Library Media Specialist, and Kindergarten through 8th grade education.
With 24 years of experience, Drake’s career has spanned roles such as a Classroom Teacher, Reading Liaison, School Testing Coordinator, Neglect & Delinquent Coordinator, Juvenile Delinquent Educational Coordinator, Coach, Alternative School Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Athletic Director.
Drake said these roles have honed her multitasking skills and adaptability.
“I have had a wonderful career,” Drake said. “One of the most valuable lessons has been building relationships with students and truly understanding their learning styles and environmental surroundings. That shapes and molds students as a means of empathy and understanding where they come from and their needs.”
Drake has also made a significant impact as a community leader and volunteer, raising over $100,000 for projects with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of the Golden Triangle, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Salvation Army, United Way, KABOOM Community Park Project, and 100+ Women Who Care of Clay County.
In 2021, she was named Citizen of Year for West Point. This award came shortly after the tragic death of George Floyd during a time when the country was in turmoil and experiencing a nationwide pandemic.
When cities all over the country were rioting and demonstrating, Drake organized a peaceful walk through the middle of the city bringing people of all races, religions, ages and gender to walk together in solidarity.
At Philadelphia High School, Drake is already working with her leadership team to host an event on campus for community leaders to witness the positive developments at the school firsthand and explore ways to support students and teachers.
Drake is also planning to establish job shadowing opportunities with community leaders and is collaborating with organizations like fraternities and sororities to introduce new youth leadership programs at the school.
The school’s “Boys to Men” huddle group, where teachers impart life skills like learning how to change oil and tie a tie, will continue to be a part of her vision.
“We are looking to enhance what’s already in place,” Drake said. “I don’t want to change anything, but I want to make things better for our kids and teachers here.”
Among her recent achievements, Drake was an integral part of Aberdeen High School’s Leadership team that moved the school from a rating of F to B in one calendar year.
She credits this success to a “dream team” of dedicated educators, and one of her first tasks at Philadelphia High School was to establish her own dream team here.
“The biggest factor in Aberdeen’s success was having a great team,” Drake said. I have a great team here. Our assistant principals are on top of things and our counselor is dynamic, so I’ve created a leadership team that’s inclusive of our assistant principals, the counselor, and some teacher leaders. I think we are a dream team as well.”
Drake is the daughter of the late Willie E. Griffin and Verneice Griffin. She is married to Lance and has two sons, Chancellor and Chase. She is a member of Northside Christian Church under the leadership of Orlando R. Richmond and is a proud Lifetime Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Drake’s favorite children’s book is “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” and she shared her favorite line from the book on her first day at Philadelphia: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”
As she steps into this new role, one of Drake’s primary goals is to lead Philadelphia High School to an A rating.
“We are a team, and together everyone achieves more,” she said. “The teachers are the coaches, and the students are the players. We are going to function as a team and do great things at Philadelphia High School.”