Hello Hedgie Families! I am Lara Fricke, one of your proud Assistant Principals of Holly Grove Elementary School. 

I am from Raleigh, NC and attended WCPSS schools (Go Broughton Caps!) In fact, all three generations of my family attended the WCPSS, and my mother, sisters, and I have all worked for WCPSS. I continued to live in Raleigh with my husband and daughter- who also attends WCPSS!

Growing up I spent time with my mother at Wiley Elementary school and I watched her help children learn every day. From that time forward, I knew that I wanted to be an educator so that I could also help students feel capable and special. To that end, I attended Peace College and UNC-Chapel Hill and earned a BA in History, and continued on to receive certificates and complete programs at Meredith College, Oxford University, and George Mason University to become an educator. I officially began my teaching career at Leesville Middle School, continued to teach in Virginia, and found my way back to my home to work at Wakefield Middle School for 16 years.  During my years in Virginia, and at Wakefield I was named Teacher of the Year and later a WCPSS top Ten Teacher of the Year. As a result of my hard work and success as a teacher, I was encouraged to earn an MSA in Administration, which I completed at NCSU. I have been an Assistant Principal since 2006 and I transitioned to Elementary Education five years ago. During my time at HGES, I have enjoyed being part of the family that exists at Holly Grove and am proud to say that my daughter will officially become a Hedgie this year, as well!

I believe everyone is an individual and has strengths to share with the entire community. I believe everyone can learn and it is our responsibility as educators to instill a love of learning in every student we encounter. Most importantly, I believe we should "lead from the heart" believing and showing others that they are valued, accepted, and respected. 

I look forward to working with you this upcoming year!