Meet Noble Schools' Principals (Part Two)

A collage of four images that show the principals of Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy, Butler College Prep, Mansueto High School, and Hansberry College Prep. They are all different fun selfies and photos at school, on trips, and with their families.

Published On: October 25th, 2024Categories: 2024, Butler College Prep, Hansberry College Prep, Mansueto High School, Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy, Staff

This is the second part of a series featuring all of Noble Schools’ principals. If you haven’t yet, check out the first part which featured the principals of DRW College Prep, Muchin College Prep, Johnson College Prep, and Golder College Prep.

We’re continuing to celebrate Principal Appreciation Week with four more principal features! This time, we’re hearing from the principals of Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy, Butler College Prep, Mansueto High School, and Hansberry College Prep.

Stay tuned for Part Three!

PRINCIPAL MIRACLE MOSS | ROWE-CLARK MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

Miracle Moss was born on the south side of Chicago and raised in the Englewood area. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Lewis University and her Master of Education in Curriculum & Instructional Leadership from Chicago State University.

In 2014, she began her work at Noble as the dean of students at Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy. She was then subsequently promoted to director of student support and, after that, assistant principal of culture. In 2021, she became the principal of Rowe-Clark.

She is the mother of three beautiful girls, and she is passionate about the work she does daily, both at home and on the job. She firmly believes that children cannot be what they do not see. As a principal, co-advisor, dance instructor, cheerleading coach, and mother, she constantly reminds her students and children that having a seat at the table to create change is essential.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Chicago/your campus neighborhood?

A: I admire the way we are providing our students with more options and fostering a culture of possibility. It’s inspiring to see the community growing throughout the neighborhood, and I’m excited for the next phase ahead.

Q: What is the best deep dish pizza place in the city?

A: Giordano’s Pizza

Q: If you weren’t a principal, what would you be doing instead?

A: I would like to be a dance instructor or a consultant for developing parenting curricula.

CHECK OUT MOSS’ PHOTO ALBUM:

Photo shows a selfie of Principal Miracle Moss in her office at Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy. She is smiling at the camera as she sits in her office chair. Her hair is in loose curls and she is wearing a dark blue blouse.

Photo shows Principal Miracle Moss with her two kids in a school classroom. She is holding her youngest child, who is hiding her face from the camera. Her other child is next to her leg, side-hugging her and smiling at the camera. Moss is also smiling at the camera. In the background, you can see elementary school desks and other adults and children moving through the space.

Photo shows Principal Miracle Moss with her two daughters, one a college student and the other an elementary school student. They are standing outside an academic building at night, hugging close and posing for the camera.

Photo shows Principal Moss talking with three students outside the front entrance of Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy. They are all smiling and looking at each other like they are in a good conversation. You can see the Rowe-Clark sign in the background.

PRINCIPAL BRIAN RIDDICK | BUTLER COLLEGE PREP

Brian Riddick now serves as the principal at Butler College Prep but he has been there since the school was founded. As a founding staff member at Butler, Riddick launched both the ninth-grade English Language Learning & Reading Department and the college team. He was also awarded Teacher of the Year twice (by students and staff).

Under Riddick’s leadership, Butler’s College Team achieved a 97%+ college acceptance rate for three consecutive years and set new Noble network standards for students who apply to, attend and persist at historically Black colleges and universities.

Riddick is an alum of North Carolina State University, where he studied English with a concentration in journalism. At NC State, Riddick joined and led several organizations, including the university’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

It was through organizations like the NAACP that Riddick found his knack for mentoring and ultimately decided to devote his life’s work to advocating for equity in education and to closing the opportunity gap for students of color.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Chicago/your campus neighborhood?

A: I still really enjoy how distinct Chicago neighborhoods are. The food, bars, and community events are different from West Loop to South Shore to Uptown; I love that about our city.

Q: What is the best deep dish pizza place in the city?

A: I found Burt’s place on a list of Anthony Bourdain’s…the caramelized crust sealed the deal.

Q: If you weren’t a principal, what would you be doing instead?

A: I managed a bar/restaurant right after college and really enjoyed that. I met new people every day and got to create a food staple for a newly thriving city. Nightlife and travel are fun, though I could never be a pilot because I fall asleep on planes before they take off, often. Oh! It would be cool to be a stylist, too, or chief of staff for a cool president-to-be.

CHECK OUT RIDDICK’S PHOTO ALBUM:

Riddick outside with students on a trip to Rome, Italy.

Riddick spending time with her grandmother in a hospital or nursing home.

Photo shows Principal Brian Riddick posing with a young Black man at a formal event. They are both looking at the camera and smiling.

Photo shows a selfie of Principal Brian Riddick on one of his travel trips. He is on a tour bus in front of a historical building.

PRINCIPAL NORA LAWRENCE | MANSUETO HIGH SCHOOL

Nora Lawrence is an Illinois native, a wife, a mom of two girls and a dog, and a passionate educator who believes that an exceptional education is a human right.

She is heading into her 13th year at Noble and her 15th year in education this year. She began her educational career as a Spanish teacher in Kansas City, MO through Teach for America and then moved back home to Chicago to join Noble. After serving for nine years at Gary Comer College Prep as a teacher, college counselor and eventual assistant principal, she moved to Mansueto High School.

Lawrence loves the Noble and Mansueto community. It is her great hope that all of her students and families feel valued, successful, and happy at MHS. She looks forward to doing the hard work to make this a reality.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Chicago/your campus neighborhood?

A: I love how rich in culture Chicago is. As you go from neighborhood to neighborhood, the food, music, art and community vibe is different. It’s incredible that by driving just 15 minutes in any direction, you can be immersed in a new experience. In my neighborhood, I’m surrounded by Bronzeville, Pilsen, McKinley Park and Chinatown, and each one has a distinct energy. I love that my kids see this as a true representation of our city and our world.

Q: What is the best deep dish pizza place in the city?

A: Lou Malnati’s, but curve ball—I actually love tavern-style pizza!

There was a restaurant down the street from my house called Pizza, Fried Chicken, Ice Cream, and it was the best!! I am so sad they moved. I dream about those crispy, oily pepperoni slices.

Q: If you weren’t a principal, what would you be doing instead?

A: I would be in a dance company or a theater company. It was always my dream to move to New York to dance, and I spent so much of my youth training to go professional. I think I would love a chance to live in that art scene. I think classical ballet, in particular, is so beautiful. I miss it!

CHECK OUT LAWRENCE’S PHOTO ALBUM:

Lawrence outside on a picnic with her two small children. They both are eating popsicles.

Lawrence standing in front of a classroom door with a coworker.

A selfie of Lawrence outside on the Mansueto campus with students. They are planting flowers along the walkway.

Lawrence wearing matching sweatshirts with another Mansueto staff member. They have funny cats on them and say "Even baddies get saddies"

Lawrence with her husband and two small children outside on a nice day.

Lawrence with her family on vacation. They are outside and in front of a giant yellow sculpture that says "I love NIC"

Lawrence with Noble CEO Constance Jones, standing in a Mansueto hallway.

KASHAWNDRA WILSON | HANSBERRY COLLEGE PREP

Kashawndra Wilson was born and raised in Chicago’s West Side. She started her educational career as a science teacher, teaching for 10 years total at St. Gregory High School and Chicago Bulls College Prep.

At Chicago Bulls, Wilson was a founding 10th grade science teacher, where she created and implemented excellent curriculum that resulted in science learning growth that outperformed the majority of all Noble 10th and 11th grade students. She also served as the 9th grade dean of instruction.

Wilson has also worked as a consultant for the KIPP Network of Schools and served on a Noble Schools’ assessment creation team. Both opportunities allowed Wilson to help instruct both educators and leaders on curricular design and assessment creation.

Wilson obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Spelman College, a prestigious historically Black college. After graduating from Spelman, Wilson obtained her Master of Science in Secondary Education from Northwestern University.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Chicago/your campus neighborhood?

A: Chicago is one of the best cities in the United States! I love the food, the summer time festivals and our amazing skyline.

Q: What is the best deep dish pizza place in the city?

A: I don’t like deep dish pizza :( but the best pizza in the city goes to Pizano’s or Italian Fiesta.

Q: If you weren’t a principal, what would you be doing instead?

A: I would be a writer or a therapist. I love reading romantic fiction and have always had the desire to write my own series of books. Additionally, I minored in psychology at Spelman, which invested me in the ways in which our minds work and how experiences impact our decision-making, mindsets, and beliefs.