New Principals Join L-S Administrative Team

Lampeter-Strasburg School District is pleased to welcome two new members to the administration team - Melissa Swarr and Jennifer Felix. We're thrilled to have these seasoned professionals on board, one in a brand new role and the other replacing Mrs. Eva Seckman, who left at the end of last year to pursue a career as an elementary school administrator. 

Melissa Swarr 

Mrs. Swarr is the new assistant principal at Lampeter-Strasburg High School. She holds master's degrees in educational administration and Spanish and a bachelor's in Spanish. Mrs. Swarr came to L-S from Conestoga Valley School District, where she was also an assistant principal. Before that, she was an elementary school principal and spent a decade teaching high school Spanish. 

"I student taught at L-S over 20 years ago and have always hoped to return," she said. "I have long-term family ties to the District and community. My parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are all proud L-S alumni. I am honored to be part of such a strong administrative team, both at the district and building level, and I am sincerely excited about serving the District by supporting students and staff."

With her background in Spanish, Mrs. Swarr is pleased to be a resource for native speakers. She lives in Conestoga with her husband, the youngest of her three adult sons, and "a very needy Great Dane." 

Jennifer Felix

Ms. Felix is the new elementary assistant principal at L-S, serving both Hans Herr Elementary School and Lampeter Elementary School. Her duties will also extend to the Early Childhood and Kindergarten Center upon completion. She came to L-S from York Suburban School District, where she taught seventh-grade ELA for the past nine years. The veteran teacher has also served as a K-12 curriculum coach, a content coordinator, an English department co-chair, a student council advisor, and a soccer coach. 

"My favorite quote is by Ralph Waldo Emerson, 'What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us,'" said Ms. Felix. "My hope is that as an administrator, I can help guide and lead our students, staff, and families to find the hope and potential that 'lies within us.' I am excited for this new opportunity, and I plan to lead with courage, resilience, and patience." 

Ms. Felix looks forward to working in the family-type atmosphere she's heard so much about at L-S. She lives in Lancaster City with her soon-to-be husband and their blended family of four children. The family enjoys walking to the market and their favorite restaurants.