Principal - L. Paige Garza
Laurin Paige Garza was named Principal of West Pender Middle School in August of 2022. She is a Cape Fear native and graduate from UNC-Wilmington, Fordham University, and UNC-Greensboro.
In her 20 years in education career she has taught at the middle school, high school, and university levels. She has served in district leadership roles in Brunswick and New Hanover counties prior to joining Pender County in 2021. Outside of her primary career roles, she has served as the president of the NCCSS Board, worked for the Advanced Placement Board, and provided professional development in Curriculum & Instruction across the state.
Her mission as a school leader is to eliminate obstacles and ensure equity of opportunity for students and families. She strives to cultivate high academic standards for WPMS teachers and students and to create an environment where students are both challenged and motivated to learn.
Outside of her professional roles, Mrs. Garza is happily married to a career educator and they have three beautiful girls ages 10, 13, and 22. She is especially proud of her oldest daughter who currently serves in the United States Navy. The Garza’s are active foster parents and have welcomed their hearts and home to many children over the many years. Mrs. Garza enjoys spending the weekends with family, outdoors with their two dogs, and tackling home renovation projects.
Mrs. Garza is committed to serving the WPMS Warriors with a fierce passion and love for students, education, and the WPMS community.
Assistant Principal - Dr. Tasheka Jordan
Dr. Jordan is a native of New Hanover County with familial background in Pender County. Dr. Jordan served as an educator in Wake and Guilford Counties in North Carolina. She has served as an assistant principal in Pender County since 2018.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in History with a Teacher Education Concentration and Masters of School Administration degrees from North Carolina State University. Additionally, Dr. Jordan obtained her Doctorate in Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
She is passionate about providing an equitable environment for all students to be successful.