Somerset —

A former Nancy Elementary teacher is the new leader of Meece Middle School. Calvin Rollyson has been hired by the Somerset Independent school board, and has spent the last several days settling into his new office on Barnett Street. Classes begin August 11 — just in time for Rollyson to share his birthday with students and staff members. School officials are hoping Rollyson will be a long-term solution to a recent trend of short-lived stints in the principal’s position at the city’s middle school. David Horseman held the position for just one year before he resigned this summer. In the last decade, the middle school has had four principals. “We thought it was important that (Rollyson) was from this area and that he knew some of the parents and students,” Superintendent Dr. Teresa Wallace said. “We’re hoping he will be here long-term.” Rollyson was raised near Jabez and graduated from Pulaski County High School in 1983. As a young adult, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent 22 years in the military as an Army Ranger. He retired from the military in 2005 and began teaching at Nancy Elementary School. “I taught with a very talented group of teachers there,” Rollyson said of his former workplace. In 2009, he obtained his Rank 1 status, qualifying him to become a principal. This will be his first year as principal of any school. Rollyson may be a product of the Pulaski County school system, but he is excited about continuing his career with the Purple and Gold. “I’m excited about the opportunity to be here,” he said. “In the military, I was around a lot of different people and cultures, and I learned to be a strong supporter of wherever I’m at. Somerset has a strong tradition in excellence. When I was in school in the ‘80s, we always heard about how great Somerset schools are. Somerset has a reputation, and I’m looking forward to upholding that reputation.” As an Army Ranger, Rollyson lived by the motto: “Rangers lead the way.” “I want Meece Middle School to lead the way in academics and in producing productive citizens,” he said. “I want what’s best for Meece Middle School. My goal is for Meece to be the best it possibly can be — and I’m looking forward to having the students by the best they can be. I believe in being positive and being motivated.” Rollyson lives in Nancy with his wife, daughter and son. He enjoys hunting, fishing, basketball and football.