The Kingsland community has taken notice of the passion that new Packsaddle Elementary School Principal Jennifer Caropepe puts into her work. She was voted a 2023 Locals Love Us Favorite School Administrator by The Picayune Magazine readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners.
After five years as the Llano Junior High School principal, the Kingsland resident leapt at the opportunity to run her community's campus.
“When I heard that Packsaddle (principal) was coming open, I really wanted to come and be a part of the Kingsland community,” she said. “Our family is here, it's where my husband works, my kids go to school here, so I just thought it was an awesome opportunity.”
Caropepe gushed over her administrative team and teachers and, like any good leader, credited them with her Locals Love Us win.
“It's just so awesome," she said. "I'm excited that anybody took the time to vote. There’s lots of great people here and lots of great people on this team, and we win as a team.”
Caropepe spoke highly of the town and the parents who come together to support their Packsaddle students' education.
“I love it here. I love being a part of (Kingsland),” she said. “It's more than a vacation place, it's home.”
While Caropepe stays busy with her administrative duties, she is also hands on with the students, greeting them when they’re dropped off in the morning, visiting with them in the classroom, and eating lunch with them in the afternoon.
“I am honored to be an administrator here, and I love that I get to be a part of this community,” she said. “I’d love to stay as long as they let me.”
Flip through the digital 2023 Locals Love Us magazine for a full list of winners.
dakota@thepicayune.com
2023 Locals Love Us Favorite School Administrator: Jennifer Caropepe
Packsaddle Elementary School Principal Jennifer Caropepe outside of the double doors of her beloved school. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey