Principal's Corner

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Mr. Cliff Johnston is beginning his 9th year at DeSoto Central High School. Mr. Johnston began his career in August 2000 at Independence High School as a teacher, baseball and football coach. From 2006 to 2011, he worked at Horn Lake High School as a teacher and football coach. Mr. Johnston received his Bachelor's degree from Delta State University, and he received his Master's degree in Administration from Arkansas State University. He is married to Robin Johnston, and they have two sons, Taylor and Jake.

"It's a great day to be a Jaguar"

Hello DeSoto Central High School!!!

My name is Brandy Carter and I am SO excited to be one of your assistant principals for 2019-2020 school year. I have been in education for 21 years. I received my Bachelor's degree from Mississippi State (GO DAWGS) and my Master's degree from Arkansas State University (GO WOLVES).

I am married to Ron Carter(Southaven alumni) and have two children, Jace and Jaclyn. They both keep me very active in their sports. There is one other member of our family, Rocky (husky) that loves to have all our attention.

My goal this year is to be available for all students, teachers, staff and parents. Please let me know if there is anything I can help with and I look forward to getting to know the DCHS family ♥♥.

My name is Tim Chrestman and it is an honor to be an assistant principal at DeSoto Central High School. I have been an educator for thirteen years in DeSoto County including teaching 7 years at Hernando High School and 6 year as an assistant principal at Southaven Middle School. I am a lifelong resident of DeSoto County, graduating from Hernando High School in 1997. I received my undergraduate degree in education from the University of Mississippi and my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Delta State University. My top priority is safety of the students and staff. Academic excellence is next on my list of priorities. I look forward to the challenge of taking a great school to the next level. This goal will become a reality when all those involved work together with a common goal. I am looking forward to a great school year and making a positive difference in the lives of young people.

I currently reside in Olive Branch, MS with my wife of ten years, Nicole Chrestman, who teaches at St. Benedict High School, and we have three children: Jaxon(8), Casen(4) and Kinsley(1).

Dr. Monifa O. Johnson is glad to be a Jaguar! She is a graduate of Tuskegee University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Language Arts Education. She also earned a Master of Education from Belhaven College and a Doctorate of Education from Concordia University. With her certification in English Language Arts, she has taught grades 8-12, served as department chairperson, professional development facilitator, and presenter. Her 17 years in the education field include 6 years of administrative experience.

Dr. Johnson is a member of several organizations: New Leaders- Cohort 11, a principal preparation program; National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., a sisterhood of educators; Toastmasters International, a public speaking organization; and Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi.

She and her husband, Kendrick, reside in Olive Branch, MS. They are the proud parents of four children: Zariya, Janiyah, Jabari, and Omari.

I am from Meridian, Mississippi and graduated from Meridian high School. After graduation, I spent two years at Meridian Community College playing baseball and beginning my college education. I then attended the University of Southern Mississippi where I received a bachelor’s degree in Coaching and Sports Administration with a minor in Mathematics in 1990.

I started my career in teaching and coaching in 1990. I taught and coached at several schools all across the state. I taught Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Algebra II, Trigonometry, and Calculus as well as coaching baseball, football, boys and girls basketball, and girls softball. I then started working in DeSoto County in 2000 at Southaven High School teaching Algebra II and Calculus. After seven years at Southaven High, I returned to college at Delta State University where I earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Since completing my masters, I have served as assistant principal in DeSoto County for the last eight years. I just finished my fifth year as assistant principal at Olive Branch Middle School and am resuming as assistant principal here at DeSoto Central High.

While living in Hernando, I met and married Tina Matthews Townsend. We have been married for two years. We attend Christ Community Church and believe in serving God daily in our lives. I have a daughter, Katie, who is in her senior year at Delta State University studying to be teacher. My son, Peyton, is sixteen and involved with football, soccer, and baseball. He lives in Holcomb, Mississippi. Tina and I also have another young one at our house. His name is Tip. He is a ten year old yellow Labrador and yes, he believes he is invincible.

When not at school, Tina and I like trying out new places to eat and the company of good friends. I also enjoy spending time with my son going to sporting events, kayaking, and hunting monster bucks. Peyton also likes to fish while I untangle fishing line.

I am sincerely looking forward to being at DeSoto Central High for the 2019-20 school year and building on the reputation of excellence that the name “DeSoto Central” represents. I love how the parents, business owners, and whole community take pride in the accomplishments of all the schools in our district. I believe in investing in the children today that will be the leaders of tomorrow.