Skyline Principal Jody Lee Reflects on Graduation, School Culture, and the Year Ahead

Skyline High School Principal Jody Lee looked back on the school’s recent graduation ceremony with pride, saying the night became a meaningful celebration for students and families despite a last-minute change in plans.

The ceremony had to be moved indoors because of the wet weather. Lee said the decision was not easy, but the school community made the best of the situation.

“I think it was just an awesome ceremony,” Lee said. “I think the kids enjoyed it. The families made the best of it.”

The building was packed as families came out to support graduates on one of the biggest nights of their lives. School staff worked to make room for as many guests as possible, adding chairs throughout the building. The Royal Examiner’s video coverage also helped bring the ceremony to the wider community, drawing about 1,500 views that night.

Lee is a familiar face in Warren County education. A Front Royal native and Warren County High School graduate, he is in his 28th year in education, with 27 of those years spent in Warren County. Before becoming Skyline’s principal, he spent 16 years as an assistant principal, worked in human resources, and served for one year at Central High School in Shenandoah County.

Lee said becoming principal has brought a new level of responsibility.

“You’re not just overseeing a couple of things as an assistant principal,” Lee said. “You’re overseeing everything.”

Still, Lee said strong leadership is not about working alone. He credited former Skyline principal Mr. Keller as an important mentor and said one lesson has stayed with him: surround yourself with good people.

That team approach is central to how Lee leads Skyline. He said his background as a student-athlete shaped his view of leadership, discipline, and responsibility. Sports helped motivate him in school, and those lessons still guide him as an administrator.

“A lot of times we sit down and talk through things to make sure we’re looking at all angles,” Lee said. “Ultimately, the decision is mine, but I think that’s kind of the team aspect in me.”

Skyline also recognizes staff members through its “Glimmer Getter” award, a monthly honor for employees who go above and beyond. Students, teachers, and staff can nominate employees, and the Hawk Morale Committee selects the honorees. Lee himself was once recognized, with students describing him as “very nice,” “caring,” and “fun.”

Lee also reflected on how education has changed since COVID-19. Schools continue to balance technology with traditional learning tools, including textbooks, pencils, and paper. Lee said he would support a better balance, including some “old school” methods.

Skyline is fully accredited and meets state requirements. Lee said the school is continuing to build momentum, with steady growth in academics, activities, and school culture.

Athletics have been part of that progress. Skyline had a strong sports year, with several records set by student athletes. Lee praised the school’s coaches, families, and students for helping create a positive culture.

“It was a phenomenal year,” Lee said. “I think that helps build a good, positive culture at your school.”

Lee said sports and extracurricular activities matter because they help students learn teamwork, discipline, and responsibility. He also noted that schools must reach students in different ways, whether through athletics, academics, clubs, or other activities.

Looking ahead, Lee said Skyline does not need a dramatic change. Instead, the school will focus on building on the foundation already in place.

“We’re going to work hard this summer in preparing for next year,” Lee said, “and just make sure our rising seniors are in the best possible situation to succeed.”

Lee also said Skyline is in good shape with staffing for the coming school year. While two positions still need to be filled, contracts have been signed, and the school is in a much better place than in years when schools faced larger shortages.

For Lee, graduation was a reminder of why the work matters. He said he felt exhausted at the end of the night, but also loved, supported, and proud. The emotions fully hit him the next day.

“I was just so proud of how everything went,” Lee said.

As Skyline closes one school year and prepares for the next, Lee said the goal remains simple: support students, strengthen the team, and keep moving forward.

Town Talk, sponsored by National Media Services, Inc., is a Royal Examiner series that introduces you to local entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and public officials who help shape Warren County. Conversations cover a wide range of topics about our community and the people making a difference.