My name is Meghan Fender, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support and serve the students, staff, and families of Hahira Middle School as the math and science Instructional Coach. While this is my second year at HMS, it will be my fourteenth year teaching with experience in middle grades mathematics and science.

I am a proud product of Lowndes County Schools. I attended Lake Park Elementary, Lowndes Middle School and graduated from Lowndes High School. Go Vikings! After high school, I attended Valdosta State University, where I earned my Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Middle Grades Education and my Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

I am married and have three boys, who also attend Lowndes County Schools. I look forward to having a wonderful year!

My name is Melanie Merritt, and I am thrilled to work with students and teachers at Hahira Middle School as the ELA/Social Studies Instructional Coach. This will be my 31st year teaching with no retirement in sight, for I love what I do each day. Throughout my teaching career, I have worked with students of all ages in ELA and Social Studies. HMS is a family of teachers and staff that fosters student learning and I am excited to be part of this team.

I graduated with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State University and have a Masters Degree in Reading Curriculum with a specialization in Corrective Reading Strategies. My Specialist Degree is in Curriculum Instruction and Management.

My husband and I are longtime residents of Valdosta, and both of our daughters are products of the Lowndes County School System. I am looking forward to the 23-24 school year.