ROCKVALE, Tenn. (WGNS) - A beloved Rutherford County educator is wrapping up a career built on relationships. Rockvale Elementary School Principal Dayna Nichols is retiring after 31 years with Rutherford County Schools. Nichols spent the last 12 years leading Rockvale Elementary, where she greeted students with hugs every morning and made time for daily one-on-one chats.

Her career with the district started as a fifth-grade teacher at Stewartsboro Elementary. She also worked as a math teacher at Rock Springs Elementary before moving to the district's central office. While at the central office, Nichols founded the ATLAS program for students in transition and served as a human resources supervisor. However, she missed daily interactions with children and returned to the school level to lead Rockvale Elementary.

Nichols managed a school of more than 1,200 students and 100 staff members. Rutherford County Schools Director Dr. Jimmy Sullivan recently named Jason Crutchfield as her successor. Nichols says she is ready to retire but plans to stay active in the community.