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DeSoto Schools honors administrator who left corporate world for her 6 kids

By , Daily Memphian Updated: December 21, 2025 1:03 PM CT | Published: December 21, 2025 4:00 AM CT

When DeSoto County Schools Superintendent Cory Uselton delivered the news that Southaven Intermediate School Principal, April Rucker, had been named the district’s Administrator of the Year, her reaction was immediate and unfiltered.

“I was in disbelief, and I still am,” Rucker said regarding the moment Uselton walked into her office. “He came by to share the news with me and I was like, ‘You’re kidding.’ And he’s like, ‘I don’t kid. This is real.’”

In a written statement, Uselton praised Rucker’s leadership and impact across the district.

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DeSoto County Schools April Rucker Southaven Intermediate School administrator of the year Corey uselton Subscriber Only

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Brandon LaGrone II

Brandon LaGrone II

Brandon LaGrone Jr. is a Bluff City native who has earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from LSU’s Manship School. He’s written for publications including The (Baton Rouge) Advocate and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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