2024-2025 Administration

Principal

principal

Mr. Marlon Gilbert 

I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Veterans Memorial Middle School principal. It is with great enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence that I join this esteemed institution dedicated to nurturing students who are high-school ready, college and career-focused, able to think independently, communicate effectively, and demonstrate their skills to a global audience.
I come to Veterans Memorial Middle School with 10 years of experience in education. Previously, I have served as a math teacher, teacher leader, basketball coach, football coach, and assistant principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. My educational philosophy centers on fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student is afforded equitable opportunities and feels inspired to reach their full potential. I am committed to empowering students, staff, families, and the local Veterans Memorial community through meaningful experiences, ensuring connectivity where all stakeholders are valued and included.
As we embark on this new academic year together, my priorities are: to maintain Veterans Memorial’s tradition of academic excellence, to cultivate a positive school culture where students and staff feel safe and respected, and to enhance communication and collaboration among all members of our school community. Through my research, I have gained insight into the Veterans Memorial, but I am excited to learn "The Veterans Memorial Way" from each of you. It is my goal to build upon the strong foundation established in this community. In the upcoming weeks, I will be meeting with parents, students, and staff to immerse myself in all things Veterans and to identify trends and goals for our bright future.
I am eager to meet and work closely with each of you to ensure that Veterans Memorial continues to be a place where students are prepared for high school, focused on college and career readiness, capable of independent thought, effective communication, and adept at demonstrating their skills to a global audience.

Assistant Principal

Gatewood
 Keisa Gatewood

Keisa Gatewood, an educator for 22 years, currently serves as the Assistant Principal of “The” Veterans Memorial Middle School. She has previously served as an elementary teacher, Gifted teacher, Gifted Coach, Instructional Coach, and a Collegiate Adjunct Instructor. Mrs. Gatewood received her bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism from Georgia Southern University, bachelor’s from Mercer University in Early Childhood Education, a master's degree in Reading and Literacy from Walden University, a Master of Library Media Science and Technology from Georgia College and State University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum Instruction and Leadership from Nova Southwestern University. Mrs. Gatewood is widowed with three amazing sons, Matthew, Christian and Joshua. She has a passion for cultivating an environment where every student reaches their potential. Her motto is, “If you teach them, they will learn.”



Assistant Principal 

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Mr. Courtney Johnson

  Mr. Johnson is an experienced educator, dedicated husband, and devoted father of two boys, Carter and Cohen. Mr. Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Fort Valley State University in 2001.  He received his Master of Arts in school counseling from Clark Atlanta University in 2012 and educational leadership certification from Augusta State University in 2019.  The 2023-2024 school year will mark his 15th year in education. Over the course of the last 15 years, he has served as a science teacher, school counselor, and assistant principal in the elementary, middle, and high school settings. He is excited to work alongside VMMS faculty, students, and families as we prepare our students to make a positive and lasting impact in our world.  Mr. Johnson is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated and an avid Atlanta Falcons fan.

He would like to remind our students that their dreams are within reach, and with hard work, dedication, and the support of their VMMS family, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. 

Quote: "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." - Barack Obama