Principal's Bio

Hello,  I am Mrs. Loretta Faye McCoy, Principal of John Essex High School.  I began serving here as an elementary teacher (8/1993 - 6/1998); grades 4-6, having 5th grade as homeroom.  "I loved it!"  I began working in administration in July of 1998, and have been serving as Principal since that time.  "I still love my job!"

I believe that all children can learn something.  I believe that learning begins in the womb and continues throughout our lifetime.  I believe that parents, educators and students are responsible for learning; and that it is the responsibility and duty of each to participate in educating both - 'self,' and 'children'.  If students provide a positive attitude, self confidence, positive self-esteem, willingness and readiness to learn; and the teacher is open minded, professional and implements professional development- teaching and actively engaging students - then learning will take place.  I believe that a good, safe and clean environment also significantly contributes to the learning process.  I believe that feedback: praise, appreciation and recognition is necessary for the success of students and the morale of teachers.  I believe that the education of a student is the product of: the parents, teachers and the community at large.  "Working together, I believe that we can get the job done!"

I am a resident of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  I am married to Michael L. McCoy (13 years).  Michael works for the VA Medical Center in Tuscaloosa and is very active serving as Chairperson of  Health and Wellness.   He coaches a Little League Team each year in two sports (basketball and baseball), and plays on the softball team at his job.  He is very active in church and directs the choir at the VA.

Melanie F. Maddox, Language Arts Teacher at Hale County High School, is our daughter.  She also coaches girls volleyball and is a licensed school bus driver.  She stays busy, working with the school's choir and with the 'ELLES", the school's sorority, founded by Mrs. Maddox.  Mel is a singer, composer and musician.  She loves the Lord and the church.  Mel, is married to Derrick Maddox.  Derrick is a diesel mechanic, and works for John Deere in Tuscaloosa.  He is very active in hunting and racing and he loves the Lord.

Otis A. Garner, loves the Lord and is a preacher of the gospel. He is very active in church and has a ministry for inmates in jail houses.  He is in the process of opening his own business.  He is married to Aundria Garner who works for Kirklin Clinic and is also very active in church, singing in the chior and woking as a missionary.  They have 6 children. 

Lewis Garner is our youngest son.  He and his wife, Jennifer Hernandez live in Guntersville, AL: they have three children, Roxane, DJ, and Ella.  They love the Lord, children and cars. 

John Essex is presently the smallest of the four (4) schools in the Marengo County School System.  It is located on Hwy. 80 West, at 70 Essex Drive, Demopolis, AL 36732.  Its population is 230 and growing.  The student body is 100% African-Ameican with 95% free and reduced lunch.  The current poverty level in Marengo County of 24.55% makes it one of the poorest counties in Alabama.  The County has little industry.  The main employer is the timber industry.  The education level required for employment exceeds that of many residents, and many residents are forced to accept low-paying jobs that cannot pay a living wage. 

John Essex's faculty and staff consists: 14 Teachers, 1 Reading Specialist, 1 Counselor; 2 Special Needs teachers; 1 Coach; 1 Administrator; 1 School Nurse; 1 Part-time Speech Therapist; 1 Part-time Gifted Teacher; 4 Bus Drivers; 4 Child Nutrition Worker; 1 Full-time Teacher Aide; 1 Secretary; 1 Librarian; 1 School Janitor and 1 Full-time volunteer.

I attended the Tuscaloosa public schools (Druid High and Tuscaloosa High School (Central East). After giving birth to a second son, I decided to leave public school.  I graduated in 1972 by obtaining my GED at the test center at University of Alabama.  I graduated from Stillman College in May, 1993 with a BA in Elementary Education.  I graduated from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa in 2002 with a MA in Administation/Leadership.  I am presently speaking with counselors concerning entering school again to receive my Doctoral degree.  I am very thankful to the Lord and all of the people who helped me to become a productive citizen, an educator and a role-model for children.  Success is a choice and it can be obtained through strict self-discipline and prayer.  I have come to realize a dream come true and I tell this story to each of my students and their parents.  Again, "It can be done!"

"All the glory belongs to the Lord!"  Pray for the family of John Essex High School.  Thanks!