Lampeter-Strasburg (L-S) School District recently welcomed two new members to its administrative team: Melissa Swarr of Conestoga and Jennifer Felix of Lancaster. At the beginning of the school year, Swarr started her position as assistant principal at L-S High School, and Felix began working as assistant principal at both Hans Herr Elementary School and Lampeter Elementary School.

Swarr began her career in education in 2008, working as a Spanish teacher at Hempfield High School. She started teaching at the school's alternative education building in 2011 while simultaneously completing an administrative program. In 2016, Swarr became an assistant principal at Donegal High School. "I really liked the instructional coaching side of things, and I enjoyed working with new teachers and staff," Swarr said. Since becoming a school administrator, Swarr has gained experience in serving a variety of communities, including the Red Lion and Conestoga Valley school districts.

Although this is Swarr's first year working for L-S School District, she is no stranger to the area; Swarr's parents, aunts, uncles and cousins are all graduates of L-S High School, and her maternal side of the family used to operate an oil business in Strasburg. Additionally, Swarr served as a student teacher at L-S High School while studying education in 2002. "At all the places I've been, I've had so many valuable experiences that have helped me as an educator," Swarr said. "I've always loved the L-S community. I finally feel like I'm home."

Felix's teaching journey began in 2002, when she became a soccer coach for Dallastown School District. Felix, a native of New Jersey, moved to Pennsylvania in 1999 to play on York College's soccer team. As a student, Felix became a substitute teacher for English language arts, which eventually led to a full-time teaching position. In 2011, Felix took a break from teaching following the birth of her son, and she returned to work in 2014 to teach seventh-grade English language arts in York Suburban School District.

Felix first learned about the assistant principal position in L-S School District from Alicia Kowitz, principal of Martin Meylin Middle School. Felix and Kowitz met when they were both teaching in York Suburban School District, and Felix held an in-service training day for teachers at Martin Meylin Middle School last spring. "L-S is always recognized as an outstanding school district, even from afar," Felix said. "I knew this was the place for me, and I'm excited to be here."