"Ms. Gardner is thrilled to join the Roadrunner family at Southwest Middle School.

She was born and raised in South Florida and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services Youth and Families in 2012. In 2022, she earned a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Gardner Webb University.  She started her career in education in 2016. She taught middle school, focusing primarily on English Language Arts content. Her purpose in becoming a school administrator comes from her desire to reach more students and make a positive impact on an entire school of students. In her free time, Ms. Gardner enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling."

My name is Deon Kennedy. I am excited about being the Assistant Principal for Southwest Middle School.

I have worked for Gaston County Schools for over 19 ½ years. I was a classroom teacher for 14 ½ years and am now in my 6th year as an Assistant Principal.  I began my career teaching 5th Grade at Rhyne Elementary School. I have had the opportunity to teach at WC Friday Middle School, Sherwood Elementary, and Woodhill Elementary.  

In 2011, I received my first Assistant Principal position at York Chester Middle school.  From there, I have been an Assistant Principal at Pleasant Ridge Elementary, Woodhill Elementary, and H.H. Beam Elementary.  Now I have the opportunity to work with the students and staff at Southwest Middle.

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Educational Leadership degree from Gardner-Webb University.

After all these years, I still appreciate the opportunity to get up each day to help educate and support the growth of our children.