For many seniors at PA, the path to graduation is not a straight line. To assist each student in their high school journey, Morgan takes on the role of a “school mom”, as she puts it, to keep them from falling through the cracks. As the Graduation Coach, Melissa Morgan not only tracks credits, but she also provides a map for students who want to graduate but are having a difficult time finding their way there alone.
Since Morgan arrived at Princess Anne in 2021, she shared that the percentage of students who graduated, i.e. graduation rate, has risen from 93% to 96% as of 2025. She adds that this is no easy task but remains passionate throughout the struggles she faces.
On a day-to-day basis, Morgan explains that she manages a number of variables to help make sure each student reaches their graduation goals. She monitors at-risk seniors, tries to instill motivation, and keeps in contact with them. She believes that any student can graduate with the right support.
She noted, “I monitor them to make sure they are doing what they need to do, while also hoping they remain motivated while they make up missing credits.” Her job is not only to keep track of credits, classes, and attendance, while harboring a deep care for her students.
“I like to work with kids who have been struggling, for one reason or another,” Morgan states.
Morgan grew up in Stockton, California. She started teaching English in 2005 in California, then moved to Virginia Beach in 2012. She started teaching at Renaissance Academy in 2016, which sparked her passion in helping kids who struggle with school.
Outside of school, she loves physical activity such as walking and running, along with reading any chance she gets.
She then gives tips for this year’s seniors, continuing with her persistence on being ambitious and resilient. She states, “when you feel like you’ve had enough of high school and don’t want to do any more work, push through. June will be here before you know it.”
Morgan remains an essential part of the Princess Anne community, and aims to have her ambition to help struggling students reach their graduation goal by the end of the year. She will continue to assist the Class of 2026 make it to the stage in June.
