• A peer mentoring program that paired older students with incoming sixth graders to foster a sense of community and belonging.
• Mental health awareness campaigns in partnership with local counseling services.
• New technology in classrooms to bridge the digital divide for under-resourced students.
• Regular family engagement nights that connected educators and parents in meaningful dialogue.

Her work did not go unnoticed. In 2023, she was named a finalist for South Carolina’s Principal of the Year award. That same year, Greenville Middle Academy earned its highest ever performance rating on statewide school accountability metrics.

More importantly to Andrews, however, was the feedback she received from students.

“She used to say, ‘My favorite kind of data is a thank-you note from a kid who didn’t give up,’” said Vice Principal Jonathan McClellan, who served under Andrews for six years. “And she meant it.”

A Personal Touch That Made All the Difference

It wasn’t just the students who adored Principal Andrews. Parents and teachers alike say her kindness and professionalism changed their lives.

“I remember walking into her office crying because my son was being bullied,” said parent Tanya Martinez. “She didn’t brush me off. She didn’t promise things she couldn’t deliver. She acted. And within two days, not only had the situation been handled, but she’d also taken time to check in on my son personally. That’s who she was.”

Teachers say Andrews was known for her open-door policy, regular handwritten notes of appreciation, and for bringing breakfast for staff on particularly difficult days—without fanfare or expectation of praise.

“She was the kind of leader who brought you coffee just because you looked tired,” said seventh-grade teacher Marcus Reynolds. “And then stayed behind after hours to help you grade papers if she knew you had a sick kid at home. She gave more than she ever took.”

Student Voices: “She Saw Us”

Students, too, have been vocal in expressing their grief and gratitude.

“She helped me believe in myself when I didn’t,” said eighth-grader Kiana Thompson. “I used to get in trouble a lot. She didn’t yell. She talked to me like a person. And I changed because I wanted to make her proud.”

Others echoed similar sentiments.

“She saw us,” said A.J. Daniels, another student. “Like, really saw us. That’s rare. Most adults don’t take time. But she did.”

A Ripple Across the Community

Nicky Andrews’ death has reverberated well beyond the confines of Greenville Middle Academy. Tributes have poured in from civic leaders, former students, colleagues, and community members.

“She was a pillar of our education system and a model for public service,” said Mayor Knox White. “Our city mourns her passing and honors her legacy.”

Greenville County Schools Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster described Andrews as “an irreplaceable part of our leadership team whose warmth, intellect, and moral clarity inspired all who knew her.”

Honoring Her Legacy

In the days following her death, the front of Greenville Middle Academy became an impromptu memorial site. Students and parents left flowers, photos, notes, and candles beneath a framed portrait of their principal.

The school plans to hold a memorial service next week, and the district has announced plans to establish the Nicky Andrews Memorial Scholarship for aspiring educators graduating from Greenville County public schools.

Vice Principal McClellan, who will serve as interim principal in the wake of Andrews’ passing, said the best way to honor her memory is to “live by her example—be kind, be present, and never stop believing in kids.”

A Final Message

In one of her last school-wide emails, sent just days before her death, Andrews wrote:

“Every child is a story waiting to be heard, and it’s our sacred duty to listen. Never underestimate the power of love, of learning, and of second chances. We are in this together—and I believe in every one of you.”

Those words now ring with even more poignancy, encapsulating the philosophy that guided her every decision, her every action.

Conclusion: A Life That Taught, Led, and Loved

Nicky Andrews’ life was one of purpose, passion, and profound impact. She leaves behind not only a grieving school community, but also a legacy of compassion-driven leadership that will continue to shape Greenville for years to come.

She may have been just one educator—but to those she touched, she was the one who changed everything.

Rest in peace, Principal Andrews. Your voice, your vision, and your heart will never be forgotten.