Our Leaders

Ms. Melanie Harris, Principal

Welcome to a New School Year, HEC Families!

Get ready to fasten your seatbelts for an incredible year of learning, growing, and reaching new heights together! I am absolutely thrilled to embark on this amazing journey with you. As a proud D5 graduate myself, I know firsthand the incredible foundation our schools provide, and it is a true honor to continue leading this community.

At H. E. Corley, our flight plan is clear: Ready to lead, ready to learn, ready to soar! We are fully dedicated to helping every single student find their wings and reach their highest potential.

✈️ My Journey on the Runway

This community is incredibly dear to my heart, and my path has kept me rooted right here in our district:

• Principal: Entering my 4th year proudly leading H. E. Corley.
• Assistant Principal: Served 5 wonderful years right here at HEC.
• Administrative Assistant Principal: Spent 2 years at Chapin Elementary.
• Classroom Teacher: Spent many rewarding years teaching 4th and 5th grades at Oak Pointe Elementary.

To ensure I am always ready to learn alongside our students, I hold a B.S. in Elementary Education (Winthrop University), a Master's in Divergent Learning (Columbia College), and a Master's in Educational Administration (University of South Carolina).

✈️ Life Outside the Cockpit

Beyond school, my faith and family are my anchors. My 18-year-old son recently took flight himself—he is now a freshman playing baseball at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, so you can still find me cheering him on from the stands on weekends!

When I’m not at a baseball field, I cherish time spent with friends and family. I love traveling, trying new restaurants, escaping into a good book or movie, and cheering on our beloved Gamecocks and Columbia Fireflies!

✈️ Let’s Soar Together!

Together, we will continue to build upon H. E. Corley’s rich tradition of excellence. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or just want to say hello. Here's to another fantastic year of soaring to new heights!

Melanie C. Harris

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”

~Helen Keller

Mr. Jason Bebber, Assistant Principal

Welcome to H.E. Corley Elementary, A Leadership and Montessori Magnet. 

I’m thrilled to launch into a new school year with our incredible students and families. Entering my 16th year in education, I’ve flown many routes: ten years as a classroom teacher across several grade levels at Six Mile Elementary (Pickens County) and River Springs Elementary (D5), for three years I served as the administrative assistant principal at Irmo Elementary School, and for the past three years I have served here at H.E. Corley as the assistant principal. 

My flight crew of credentials includes a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Principles of Learning and Teaching from Clemson University, a gifted and talented endorsement, and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Southern Wesleyan University. As a D5 graduate myself (through the Irmo schools), I’m proud to give back to the School District of Lexington-Richland Five and give back to this community that helped set my course.

On the ground, I’m married with two children and recharge outdoors by backpacking, camping, hunting, fishing, kayaking—and enjoying time with family and friends. I’m honored to serve and help pilot H.E. Corley’s students, parents, and staff toward a successful year.

If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, I’m ready to connect. Please reach out—I’m always open to new solutions, ideas, and to help our students soar.

Jason Bebber

Mrs. Julie Carothers, Administrative Assistant Principal

Welcome to H. E. Corley Elementary, Leadership Magnet & Montessori Magnet, where we create leaders one child at a time.  

I am excited to start my 19th year at HEC, and my 35th year in education! I taught 3rd grade, 6th grade, a multi-age class, and special education resource in California prior to coming to HEC as the resource teacher in 2007. I became the administrative assistant principal here at HEC in 2015.. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Humboldt State University. I also have a Master’s Degree in Special Education from California State University, Monterey Bay and a Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership from University of South Carolina.

I’m looking forward to another great year and supporting students to become ready to lead, ready to learn and ready to soar!

“Be the reason someone feels welcome, seen, heard, valued, loved, and supported.”-unknown

Julie Carothers, AAP HEC
jcarothe@lexrich5.org