Lamar School is excited to welcome Gracie Newell Terry to the faculty as our new 6th - 8th Academic Counselor and Dance Sponsor. A former Lamar student herself, Mrs. Terry brings both heartfelt enthusiasm and a deep personal connection to the school community.

A Lamar Legacy

Mrs. Terry’s history with Lamar began in Kindergarten in 2006, and although she left after seventh grade, the memories and relationships she formed here made a lasting impact.

“I have very fond memories of Lamar,” she said. “The elementary school was such a tight-knit family. I remember always feeling cared for and loved. Survivor Day—what is now Olympic Day—was one of my favorite traditions. And I’ll never forget teachers like Mrs. Pollman, who truly impacted me.”

Mrs. Terry’s connection to Lamar runs deep. Her sister-in-law, Anna Grace Terry, will begin her junior year this fall. “Getting to be here for Anna Grace’s last two years is something really special,” she shared.” Her mother, Amy Newell, also taught Pre-K and 4th grade at Lamar. One of Mrs. Terry’s most meaningful memories was getting to watch her sister, Libby Newell, graduate from Lamar and thrive during her time here—an experience that left a lasting impression and deepened her love for the school.

It’s beautiful how things come full circle. I even have a picture of me and Mrs. Pollman—what a gift to be back where it all started.”

Walking with Middle Schoolers

Mrs. Terry recently earned her Master’s degree in Counselor Education with a focus in school counseling from Mississippi State University, after previously teaching sixth and seventh grade English. Her calling to serve middle school students is deeply personal.

“Middle school was hard for me. I knew I wanted to go into a career that allowed me to make an impact on adolescents and teens. I just want to be the person I needed in seventh grade—someone who says, ‘It’s going to be okay.’”

Her goal is to be a familiar, trusted presence for students. “I want to be in the hallways, greeting them, getting to know them well enough to notice when something is off. I want to be approachable and consistent—someone they know they can come to.”

When asked what advice she’d give students, Mrs. Terry shared: “Everyone has their own path. Just because someone else has found their passion doesn’t mean you haven’t found yours yet. You belong here. You are supported. And you can do anything you put your mind to.”

Leading with Heart and Spirit

As the new Dance Sponsor for both Junior Varsity and Varsity (7th–12th grade), Mrs. Terry is already building a culture of encouragement, teamwork, and leadership.

“They’re such a sweet group of girls. I want dance to be more than what we do at a pep rally or football game. I want us to be ambassadors—on campus and in the community. That might mean service projects or leadership opportunities, but it’s all about helping these girls grow into strong, confident young women.”

Though combining 7th–12th grade dancers into one team can be challenging, Mrs. Terry says the group has come together beautifully: “It takes hard work and dedication to dance as one, but I’m proud of how they’ve embraced that. I want them to be confident in what they perform and proud of what they’ve created together.”

A Few Fun Facts

Students may be surprised to learn that Mrs. Terry grew up on a farm, rode horses, and even competed in rodeos.

“I was Junior Miss Dixie National in 2015—Mrs. Rhett still has my picture! I was also a three-time state champion cheerleader, and a Diamond Girl captain at Mississippi State.”

Another fun fact? Mrs. Terry was born with a club foot and has two different size feet—something she affectionately calls her “lucky fin.”

 “It never slowed me down. I just learned to adjust and keep going.”

Favorite Things

Mrs. Terry’s go-to coffee order is an iced vanilla latte with almond milk—sometimes with sweet cream cold foam and caramel drizzle for a treat. After a busy school day, you’ll find her on the back patio with her husband, Mason, enjoying a game of fetch with their dog, Lady.

We’re so grateful to have her back at Lamar—this time, not as a student, but as a mentor and leader helping the next generation thrive.