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. I have been in education for 23 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( both DCS alum). 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 years 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 the 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).

Curious and reflective, Dr. Monifa Oni Johnson is a growing instructional leader. Her transition into administration began as a member of the New Leaders’ Aspiring Principals Program - Cohort 11. Dr. Johnson understands the power of challenging learners. She is passionate about learners making significant academic gains and believes in giving learners the space for productive struggle, discussion, and reflection. Dr. Johnson is approaching her 19th year in the field of education. Throughout her time in education, she has served in various roles. She is most proud of being named Teacher of the Year; her students achieving the highest growth in her district on their state ELA assessment; presenting at The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Conference; and contributing to Nancy Steineke’s book, Classroom Management: Strategies for Achievement, Cooperation, and Engagement. In line with the mission of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Dr. Johnson’s professional goal is to pursue excellence.

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.