“When I was principal at North Liberty School, ‘Ever Forward!!’ was the motto I used every day with myself, the faculty, and the students. As I have moved into retirement, I have continued to maintain this philosophy. Reading and studying my Bible and several other books have encouraged me to embrace loving like Jesus, being daring and adventurous, and being willing to set forth into uncharted territories,”

North Liberty is located, as one might expect, on the northern end of the same building that houses Liberty Middle School in Morganton. The students there range from age 3 to 22, grades pre-K through twelfth, and all of them have moderate to severe special needs. Additional teachers and smaller class sizes help to meet the needs of these young people.

Lisa Roper Summey spent 36 years employed in public education. As a principal, she often drew on her experiences as an elementary school teacher. It was evident in the approach she would take with the faculty and students, with the colorful thematic bulletin boards she would design herself, and with the strong determination that she exhibited in carrying out her duties.

Having earned a Bachelor of Science degree from ASU in 1986, Lisa spent many of her professional years in the classroom, mostly as a fourth-grade teacher. “Some of those years were in other states,” she reflects. “I taught in South Carolina, Idaho, Florida, and Virginia, and I learned something new everywhere I lived. All of these experiences have brought me to where I am today.”

She moved back to Burke County in 1998 and taught at Hildebran, Hallyburton (Drexel), and Forest Hill Elementary Schools. She earned her Master’s Degree in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University in 2003 and began her journey as an assistant principal in 2016. Again, at each of the schools where she worked, she learned new approaches and new skills. After serving as assistant principal at Draughn High, Patton High, and Salem Elementary, she was named principal at North Liberty in 2019.

“I loved it at North Liberty. The people there are MY people. I know that I was right where I was meant to be. I grew up with a cousin, Sheri, who had Down Syndrome. I learned to love people who may have been a little different from me. Being around people who are not exactly like you teaches you to have compassion and empathy. Originally, I considered majoring in Exceptional Children’s Education but decided on Elementary Education instead. When I was a student at ASU, I worked at a camp in Blowing Rock for mentally and physically handicapped children. The work there at Camp Sky Ranch was extremely hard, but it was some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. When I lived in Pullman, Washington, I worked as an occupational therapy assistant, a physical therapy assistant, a speech-language pathology assistant, and an exceptional children’s compliance monitor. From these jobs, I learned a new perspective from that of a classroom teacher, and those experiences helped to shape a path that led to my current position and my love for my students.

“I have always enjoyed the exceptional children’s classes. When I was assistant principal at Salem Elementary, I had car duty each morning. On the way back to the office, I would almost stop by the exceptional children’s classroom almost daily to say hello. Those students always brightened my day, and I hope I brightened theirs.

“My students at North Liberty would reach milestones at a different pace than other students. Exceptional children teach those around them the art of patience, how to love unconditionally, and how to establish relationships with a pure, non-judgmental heart. Those who work with the students of North Liberty School are privileged to share their journey. My biggest challenge is meeting the needs of our students, but the rewards are so great. I find it to be an extremely powerful experience when a student who struggles to relate with others initiates a connection with me.

“I’m a Drexel Girl!! The people of the town, Drexel Schools, Drexel First Baptist, and my family have shaped me into the person that I have become today. I participate in the Drexel First Baptist Church Praise Team, Revitalization group, Youth Ministry, Learning for Life, and Missions team. We have gone on several mission trips, including to Wyoming for church repair and Spruce Pine for disaster relief.

“I have been guided and mentored by so many people. Thad Brendle, Josephine and Winnie Brendle, Veronica Cook, Denise Matz Childers, Clyde and Mickey Shuping, Dick and Editha Hyde, Hilda McNeely, Malone and Shirley McNeely, and Fred and Betsy Cranford were all among the church leaders who encouraged me and inspired me spiritually,

“Educators at Drexel school were a wonderful guiding force. They include Nancy Arrowood, Katherine Baird, Denny and Marie Taylor Young, Beth and Ken Clough, Geraldine Rector, Mildred Leatherman, Patsy Powell, Mary Hewat, Frances Huffman, Maurine Huffman, Pansy J. Reid, Henry Grill, Vicki Carter, Dan Hoyle, and many more. I will also say that I have been so inspired by Will Perkins, who, in spite of his physical challenges, still goes to the elementary school to read with the students. He is the perfect example of the volunteer spirit.

“Some of my East Burke teachers really stand out. I especially enjoyed music and performing. J. Jerome Williams, my wonderful chorus and chamber singers teacher, taught me so much. I am very proud to say that I’m still a groupie!!! I also participated in marching band, symphonic band, and orchestra under the instruction of the great Kathryn Siphers. She was a true teacher in every sense. Plus, I still tell people how much I loved performing in three musical theater productions at East Burke: Fiddler on the Roof in 1980, Brigadoon in 1981, and Annie Get Your Gun in 1982, all directed by Phyllis Garrison. These experiences gave my classmates and me the chance to use our talents and to enjoy the gift of lifelong friendships. They also taught us perseverance, confidence, creativity, and showmanship – all qualities I still carry with me.

“God called me to teach, and after I retired, I realized how much I missed the kids. So I decided that the best thing I could do would be to substitute, and I do so every chance I can. I am seen at Drexel Elementary and Heritage Middle Schools on a regular basis, hoping as I sub to love on and help shape the children in our Drexel community. My hopes for the future are to continue to grow professionally, encourage others, and inspire those around me to be life-long learners.”

As the students and faculty of North Liberty would say, and as Lisa remembers every day, our life experiences should always be moving “Ever forward!”