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Meet Prevail Academy Principal Nickie Laney

Nickie Laney realized early on that education was her calling. It all started in third grade when a teacher made her feel special and capable of achieving anything. That moment sparked something in her, and from then on, she knew she wanted to pass that same feeling on to others.

With 18 years of experience in education, Laney has taken on many roles—teacher, dean, People Services Business Partner, and now, principal. Throughout her journey, one thing has remained constant: her dedication to creating a school community where every scholar not only thrives but reaches their fullest potential.

Laney’s commitment to learning is both personal and professional. As the first in her family to earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Oakland University and a master’s in educational leadership from Saginaw Valley State University, she has always placed a high value on education.

The Moral Focus virtue of encouragement is at the heart of how Laney leads every day. She finds joy in lifting others up, whether through personalized notes of affirmation, celebrating hard work, or making sure every voice is heard in the decision-making process. To her, education is a team effort, and she’s a firm believer in the power of parental involvement. Laney knows that strong partnerships between parents and schools are key to a child’s success, and she actively encourages families to stay connected and involved in their child's education.

When she’s not at school, you’ll find Laney enjoying life—whether she’s traveling, gardening, jogging, or spending quality time with her husband and their sports-loving son. Above all, Laney’s greatest wish is for every child at Prevail Academy to feel successful and loved by their teachers.

Quick Facts:
  • Laney was an exchange student in Germany during high school and once won a district and regional public speaking competition with a speech about Grimmway Farms Carrots.
  • Her favorite quote is "I believe in the power of yet."
  • She loves pizza, Peanut Butter M&Ms, and pumpkin pie; fall is her favorite season, and she loves classic movies like The Polar Express, The Wizard of Oz, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
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About Prevail Academy
Prevail Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Mount Clemens, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.

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