MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — The Rutherford County Board of Education has announced a historic homecoming for one of its own. Dr. Jessica Supakhan, the educator responsible for launching the successful Rutherford County Virtual School (RCVS), has been tapped to lead Holloway High School. The appointment, announced by Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan, brings Supakhan full circle to the halls where she once walked as a student.

Supakhan will not be leaving her post at RCVS; instead, she will manage both programs simultaneously. The two schools operate on the same campus, providing a unique opportunity for administrative synergy. Dr. Sullivan praised Supakhan's track record, noting her ability to evolve virtual education into one of the most successful programs in the state while maintaining deep, personal ties to the Holloway community.

The transition marks the end of an era for Sumatra Drayton, who is set to retire this summer. Supakhan’s history with the building is extensive; prior to founding the virtual school in 2020, she spent 11 years teaching business and marketing at Holloway and served as the school's Dean of Students.

For Supakhan, the role is more than a promotion—it is a personal mission. Reflecting on her time as a student after moving to Tennessee from Michigan, she recalled how Holloway’s small, connected environment provided the support she needed. Now, she aims to preserve that "family" feel for a new generation. Holloway High School holds a significant place in Murfreesboro history, originally dedicated in 1929 and serving as a cornerstone for the local Black community, producing trailblazing graduates who integrated Middle Tennessee State University.

As she prepares to balance the needs of 400 virtual students and the traditional student body at Holloway, Supakhan emphasized the importance of belonging. Whether through the "Connection Fridays" she established for virtual learners or the legacy-rich traditions of Holloway, her goal remains centered on providing students with opportunities that transcend the classroom.