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Webb A Murray Elementary

Engage. Inspire. Empower.

School Leadership

School Leadership

A man with a beard smiles broadly, wearing a pink collared shirt and a white jacket.Meet Rai Robinson, Principal

Rai Robinson
Principal, Webb A. Murray Elementary School

Email

Joined Team CCS - August 2016

Experience - I spent my first nine years in education as a Physical Education teacher and coach, where I discovered just how much I love building relationships, encouraging others, and helping students reach their full potential. After leaving the classroom, I spent the next four years serving as the Assistant Principal at Murray Elementary. Now, I am incredibly excited and honored to step into the role of Principal!

Murray holds a special place in my heart, and I am so excited for the opportunity to continue serving this amazing school community in a new capacity. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!

 

Education 
B.A. Health and Physical Education - Lenoir Rhyne University (2013)
Master of School Administration - Appalachian State University (2022)

Why I Became an Educator 
I always loved school.  I have always had a joy for learning and loved physical education.  My mom was a Physical Education teacher and I knew at a very early age that I wanted to go into education to become a Physical Education teacher.  

Favorite Place in Catawba County
Any and all things Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics.  My family and I love going to Lenoir-Rhyne sporting events and cheering on the LR Bears!  GO BEARS!!!

Favorite Activities 
I love to play golf.  I also enjoy trail running along with running relay races throughout North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.  All other things involve time with my family and friends. 

"Every Child Deserves a Champion" - Rita Pierson

Meet Justin Lunsford, Assistant Principal

Justin Lunsford
Assistant Principal, Murray Elementary
828-256-2196

email

Joined Team CCS - 2024

Experience – 13 Years in education, 6 years as an administrator
 

Education – 

Bachelors: Middle School Education, Lenoir Rhyne University 

Masters: School Administration, Gardner Webb University

 

Why I Became an Educator – Growing up, I absolutely loved school and the excitement of learning something new. As an educator, my goal has always been to spark that same love of learning in my students while being someone who is willing to “stand in the gap” for them when they need it most (Ezekiel 22:30).

 

Favorite Place in Catawba County- Enjoying time at Glen Hilton Park with my family.

 

Favorite Activities – Going on an adventure with my wife (Katie) and our 3 kids (Ezekiel, Ronan, Penelope) or working on a project around the house. I grew up around construction so I enjoy working with hands and fixing a little bit of everything.

  • A man with a beard smiles broadly, wearing a pink collared shirt and a white jacket.Meet Rai Robinson, Principal

    Rai Robinson
    Principal, Webb A. Murray Elementary School

    Email

    Joined Team CCS - August 2016

    Experience - I spent my first nine years in education as a Physical Education teacher and coach, where I discovered just how much I love building relationships, encouraging others, and helping students reach their full potential. After leaving the classroom, I spent the next four years serving as the Assistant Principal at Murray Elementary. Now, I am incredibly excited and honored to step into the role of Principal!

    Murray holds a special place in my heart, and I am so excited for the opportunity to continue serving this amazing school community in a new capacity. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!

     

    Education 
    B.A. Health and Physical Education - Lenoir Rhyne University (2013)
    Master of School Administration - Appalachian State University (2022)

    Why I Became an Educator 
    I always loved school.  I have always had a joy for learning and loved physical education.  My mom was a Physical Education teacher and I knew at a very early age that I wanted to go into education to become a Physical Education teacher.  

    Favorite Place in Catawba County
    Any and all things Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics.  My family and I love going to Lenoir-Rhyne sporting events and cheering on the LR Bears!  GO BEARS!!!

    Favorite Activities 
    I love to play golf.  I also enjoy trail running along with running relay races throughout North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.  All other things involve time with my family and friends. 

    "Every Child Deserves a Champion" - Rita Pierson

  • Meet Justin Lunsford, Assistant Principal

    Justin Lunsford
    Assistant Principal, Murray Elementary
    828-256-2196

    email

    Joined Team CCS - 2024

    Experience – 13 Years in education, 6 years as an administrator
     

    Education – 

    Bachelors: Middle School Education, Lenoir Rhyne University 

    Masters: School Administration, Gardner Webb University

     

    Why I Became an Educator – Growing up, I absolutely loved school and the excitement of learning something new. As an educator, my goal has always been to spark that same love of learning in my students while being someone who is willing to “stand in the gap” for them when they need it most (Ezekiel 22:30).

     

    Favorite Place in Catawba County- Enjoying time at Glen Hilton Park with my family.

     

    Favorite Activities – Going on an adventure with my wife (Katie) and our 3 kids (Ezekiel, Ronan, Penelope) or working on a project around the house. I grew up around construction so I enjoy working with hands and fixing a little bit of everything.

Meet our Office Staff

 

A woman with white hair smiles, wearing a yellow top and blue cardigan.

 

Gloria Brooks
Secretary
828-256-2196

A woman with blonde hair smiles at the camera.

 

 

Yvette Grant
Data Manager
828.256.2196
Yvette_Grant@catawbaschools.net

A woman with short blonde hair smiles at the camera.

 

 

Melanie Rooks
School Nurse

melanie_rooks@catawbaschools.net

 

A woman with dark hair smiles at the camera, wearing a white sweater.

 

 

 

Olivia Fernandez Dominguez
Family Engagement Coach
olivia_fernandez@catawbaschools.net
habla español

A smiling man with glasses and a beard poses for a portrait.

 


Joshua Diggs
School Counselor
joshua_diggs@catawbaschools.net

Building Leadership Team Meetings

These meetings are open to parents! They are held after school at 3:30pm. We discuss school improvement plans, how to better connect with our students & their families, and brainstorm ways to further the mission and vision of Webb A Murray & Catawba County Schools. Come join us!