The Ledger

By Becky Holland

Some people discover their calling later in life.

Liz Dykes knew at 13 years old.

Now 47, married and the mother of two children, Dykes is in her third year as principal of Bleckley County Middle School after serving six years as assistant principal. Altogether, she has spent 24 years in education.

For Dykes, the path toward teaching was shaped early by family influence.

Her mother and two aunts were teachers, and an uncle was both a teacher and coach. Surrounded by educators, the profession always felt familiar and meaningful.

“I always loved working with kids, especially middle school-aged kids,” Dykes said.

She spent many seasons working with young people through the recreation department as a teenager and young adult, experiences that helped confirm what she already knew — education was where she belonged.

Her academic journey took her through Middle Georgia College for an associate degree, Georgia College and State University for a bachelor’s degree, Walden University for a master’s degree, and back to Georgia College and State University for her specialist degree.

These days, her mornings begin early.

By 6:30 a.m., Dykes is already at school, enjoying a little quiet time before the day begins. Then comes breakfast duty, checking on staff and students, and navigating whatever challenges the day may bring.

“The rest of the day is putting out and preventing proverbial fires,” she said with a smile.

And no two days are alike.

What remains consistent is how deeply she cares for the people inside the building.

“I care about the students and all of my staff so deeply,” Dykes said. “If I had to, I’d walk in front of a vehicle for any of them.”

She said relationships matter greatly to her — not only with students, but with teachers and staff as well.

Dykes strives to know people beyond schedules, grades and job titles.

She described herself thoughtfully and with humility.

“It is not easy talking about yourself,” she said after a pause. “I think I am a good listener, and I am pretty strong in handling the day-to-day challenges.”

“As principal, I feel like I am accountable to my people here — the kids and their parents, my teachers and staff. I am a pretty positive individual.”

She admitted that carrying leadership responsibilities can sometimes feel lonely.

“But I have found my people I can talk with,” she said.

Dykes also said faith has become an increasingly important part of her life.

“Developing a stronger relationship with God and working on my spiritual side better would be something I’d tell my younger self to do,” she said. “Some of the bumps and bruises I encountered along the way would have been easier had I done that.”

When the school day ends, home life becomes about chores, family time and recuperating before doing it all again the next day.

She said she leans on both family and faith.

“And I am okay,” she said.

Asked what makes her laugh the most, Dykes didn’t hesitate.

“These kids,” she said. “And how they tell you every detail, and you wonder why they are telling you that … but you just go with it.”

Her advice for others?

“Get involved with middle school kids,” she said. “They are the best.”

For Dykes, education has never just been a career. It has been a calling rooted in service, strengthened by family, and carried out each day with compassion.

Editor’s Note: The first time I met Liz, she was a preschool-aged child going by her full name, Elizabeth Ann. Watching her during those early years and seeing her today, I can say not much has changed. She still has the kindest heart, deep compassion, and a servant spirit for her people — and you are blessed if you are one of them. Sitting across from her desk and hearing her sincerity about her job, her teachers, students and staff made me proud. She’s good people. She still also manages to make me feel old.