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Blanchard Diavua is currently the Principal of Hamilton High School. He was born and raised in Bridgeport and Stratford, Connecticut, as the proud son of Congolese parents. As a college student in Philadelphia, he worked and volunteered in the public schools and developed a passion for working with students. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he became a math teacher at West Philadelphia High School.
He became the Principal of Universal Audenried Charter High School in South Philadelphia in 2015 and led the school for five years. In that time the rose from one of the lowest performing comprehensive high schools in the district to one of the top 5 comprehensive high schools as measured by the Pennsylvania state report card and School District of Philadelphia School Progress Report.
Principal Diavua served as Vice Principal at Hamilton High School prior to being appointed the Principal in 2021. In that time the graduation rate has increased 14%. He is currently working on his Doctor of Education at Vanderbilt University. He currently resides in Shelby County with his wife, daughter and son.
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Nancy Harrison is a MS native. She is beginning her 29th year in the education profession and her 10th year as an Assistant Principal. Ms. Harrison received her B.S. Degree from Alcorn State University, her master’s degree from Mississippi University, and her EDS from Union University. Throughout her career, she has been an elementary and middle school teacher and a PLC Coach.
She is dedicated to all the students at Hamilton High School and aims to ensure each student is college and career ready. Ms. Harrison believes that education is a "lifesaver”, the key to a successful life. Character building is her over- arching theme throughout her work at HHS as she strives to shape our future leaders of tomorrow. She loves Hamilton High School, Absolutely.
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Mr. DeSquare has 17 years of experience in various capacities, including teacher and assistant principal. He worked in different educational environments, such as general education, special needs, alternative schools, and detention centers. It has become his passion to shine a light on the hidden potential of often overlooked youth in society and in education. He hopes to use this as a driving force to help students flourish and achieve success.
Mr. DeSquare obtained his undergraduate degree from Arkansas State University, his Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Mississippi, and his Education Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Union University. He is also an Air Force veteran, happy to continue to serve our community.
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Free McKinney is a graduate of Hamilton High's Class of 1997. She is looking forward to returning to Hamilton to start her first year as an assistant principal. She realizes the great responsibility that we have to inspire, empower, and influence our scholars, as well as the opportunity to positively impact the families, staff, and community. She strongly believes that students grow and achieve more when they are challenged and surrounded by involved and compassionate adults, both within and outside the walls of a school. She is also looking forward to partnering with students, families, and the HHS staff to give our students what each and every one of them deserve—a top-quality, rigorous education that will prepare them well for a successful life.
After high school, Ms. McKinney received my undergraduate degree from Austin Peay State University and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Freed Hardeman University.
Throughout the last 18 years, she has served as an educator at Corry Middle, South Side High, Havenview Middle, and Treadwell Middle School. During her tenure with Shelby County Schools, she served in various school level leadership roles. No matter the role within education, her core values include the idea that education is a social right-- not a privilege. Ms. McKinney believes that education is the great equalizer, an instrument to change the world. This belief drives her forward to make a positive impact towards equity and excellence at Hamilton, so our students will make their own positive and lasting impact in the world.
