With more than 30 years dedicated to education and student advocacy, Lizzy Newsome has been named principal of Lara Academy. Known for her visionary leadership and commitment to second chances, Newsome brings a wealth of experience in alternative education, curriculum development, and school turnaround initiatives.
Newsome has held principal roles at several campuses across Laredo, including Memorial Middle School, where she led the school to achieve its first “Seven Star” Distinction; Christen Middle School, where she successfully brought the only “Improvement Required” and PEG-designated campus out of state intervention; and Dr. Dennis D. Cantu Early College High School, where she partnered with Laredo College and local officials to expand dual enrollment and certification programs in fields such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Medical Office Assistant (MOA).
Most recently, Newsome served as principal of Jose A. Valdez High School, Laredo’s first non-traditional campus designed to support students overcoming substance abuse. She led the creation of the school from the ground up, developing policies, curriculum, entrance criteria, and graduation requirements. Under her leadership, Valdez High School became one of the few recovery-based public school models in the state of Texas, continuing to serve students with compassion and high expectations.
“Lara Academy represents the kind of space where transformation is possible,” said Newsome. “Every student deserves the opportunity to be seen, supported, and empowered. My goal is to ensure Lara becomes a campus where students can rebuild their confidence, rediscover their strengths, and reclaim their future.”
An active civic leader, Newsome currently serves as a trustee on the Laredo College Board and is a member of the Webb County Community Coalition and the Rotary Club. Her contributions to education have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, including the Nuestro Orgullo Award, the Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Memorial Award, Sam’s and Walmart Teacher of the Year, and a nomination for Disney’s American Teacher Awards.
Newsome holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Texas A&M International University. Additionally, she pursued doctoral studies and completed the majority of her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction coursework from Texas A&M University in College Station. Her professional certifications include the Texas Principal EC–12 certificate, Biology teacher certification, Instructional Leadership Development, and training under the Professional Development and Appraisal System.
As she steps into this new role, Newsome is ready to help students at Lara Academy level up, academically, emotionally, and personally, through structure, compassion, unwavering support, and opportunity.