Over the summer, MCPS decided to replace Northwest’s former principal, Ms. Morrison, with a new principal, Ms. Lance Dempsey. Along with her came a fresh start for the school. “My top priority is to ensure that every student achieves at the highest levels,” states Ms. Dempsey. In addition, she wants “every student to be proud to be a part of the wonderful Northwest community and to always put forth his/her best effort.”
    Over the summer while students were busy sleeping in and spending their days relaxing, Ms. Dempsey was busy putting forth her best effort to prepare for the upcoming school year. She did not have a lot of time to spend on her favorite hobbies, which include spending time with her family, cooking, exercising, and gardening. 
    Ms. Dempsey came to us from Shady Grove Middle School, where she was principal for seven years. “I love what I do, and I truly enjoy being around high school students,” she explains as her reason for deciding to move up to a High School Principal. Before she came into administration, she was a seventh grade world studies teacher. After teaching, she went on to be assistant principal at Kennedy High School and Julius West Middle School.
    To some students it may be especially clear that Ms. Dempsey is very involved in the school. Simply put, she is a great enthusiast. Ms. Dempsey greets Northwest on the intercom every morning because she is truly excited and happy to be here and she wants her staff and students to share that feeling with her.
    She is highly motivational as well. After we had a simple fire drill, Ms. Dempsey let us know what a great job she thought we did. Thus far, there has not been a single negative thing said by Ms. Dempsey. Ms. Dempsey describes her impression of Northwest so far by keeping with her positive outlook. She said, “I strongly believe that Northwest High School is a diamond in the rough, a hidden gem.”