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Behind the scenes at Julia P.
Carolyn Wright part of elementary schools TLC team
jpb unsung
At Julia P. Bryant Elementary School, the principal has come to depend heavily on his front office staff. Pictured above are, left to right, assistant principal Patrick Hill, Tammy Mallard, Loletta Harrison, Carolyn Wright and principal Shawn Haralson. - photo by Special
    Everyone whose child attends Julia P. Bryant Elementary School has met Principal Shawn Haralson and the “TLC team.” While some might think that it stands for tender loving care, it also reflects the first names of his office staff: Tammy Mallard, Loletta Harrison and Carolyn Wright.
    According to Haralson, Wright is one of the key people who keep Julia P. running smoothly. In fact, Wright was one of the factors that convinced Haralson to come to Julia P. One day he came to the school to pick up his son, who attended the school. Haralson said he was asked by Wright if he was going to become their next principal.
    The school had just gone through several principals. Haralson spoke at length with Wright, who said the school could do better. Haralson applied for the job and was hired. He is completing his third year as Julia P.’s principal.
    Wright knows the school well, having attended fifth and sixth grade.
    After graduating, she went to work at the old Royden Wear pants factory for 17 years until it closed. She sensed a golden opportunity to take some more classes, and entered Ogeechee Technical College in 1991. Wright graduated with a certificate in Office Technology.
    Also, she completed an internship at Julia P.
Wright said: “It’s the only place I’ve ever wanted to work because it felt like home.”
    After graduating, then principal Jack Pye hired her as a “para-pro.” When Kelly Tharp became principal, Wright began working in the office.
    Pye remembers Wright well.
    “Carolyn was always very dependable, an excellent worker, a good team player, and a people person,” he said.
    Tharpe also enjoyed working with Wright.
    “Carolyn would never complain or make herself the center of attention, no matter how overworked she may have been,” Tharp said. “She always did whatever it took to keep the office running smoothly.”
    Wright is very active in her church (Magnolia Baptist) and dotes on her son Remarko’s two daughters, Kiera and Kaila. Her other son, Rashad, currently plays basketball as a Guard for the Alba Berlin team in Germany.
    Haralson said everyone at Julia P. knows “Grandma Carolyn” keeps a sharp eye on all of her students, parents, faculty and staff – ready to come their aid at a moment’s notice.
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