Wanda Law is a familiar face in Gwinnett County and best known as the former principal of North Gwinnett Middle School, where she cared for many of our kids each week. After 30 years in education and the last 13 years as a beloved principal, Wanda hung up her hat at North Gwinnett Middle School and retired at the end of the school year last year. We had the chance to catch up with Wanda and learn more about her during this transitional phase of her life.
What inspired you or led you to your current career?
My grandmother. She was a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse teaching first through eighth grade. She talked about teaching children of grade levels all together in one room. I loved imagining her classroom and this inspired me to become a teacher. I started teaching in 1989 and this is my 33rd year, all in Gwinnett County. I student-taught at Lilburn Middle School and got my first job there. I have been a teacher, assistant principal and now a principal. I opened North Gwinnett Middle School 13 years ago and was a principal for three years at Sycamore Elementary before opening North Gwinnett Middle. I am from Georgia, born in Atlanta. I went to school in DeKalb County, Clayton County and Rabun County. My parents lived in Rabun County, so I returned there for high school.
What is your favorite restaurant in Suwanee and what do you love there?
I would say Cheeky. I love their cheese dip!
How long have you worked or lived in Suwanee?
13 years
What has kept you here?
I love the children, the community, the staff here, and our great schools. I believe in our schools here so we will be here until my daughter graduates from high school.
How big is your family?
I have a husband, a grown son, daughter-in-law (who’s also a teacher), a teenage daughter and two cats, Piper and Malibu.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Suwanee?
I would have to say Dr. John Green. He has always challenged me to think. He keeps in touch and will call me to talk about what I’m doing and what’s going on in our schools. He’s a great influence on me and offers ideas for next steps. He sometimes has a different perspective than me and it makes me think!
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have always wanted to go to Australia because of the culture, nature, physical features and the Sydney Opera House. Also, I’d like to go to Fiji and stay in the huts on the water.
What advice would you give a crowd of people?
To recognize and appreciate the differences in people. I love working with so many different people, cultures, and interesting children. Our diversity here makes us unique.
What is something on your bucket list?
I really enjoy traveling. We would like to have a motorhome and travel the U.S. When we retire, we would love the flexibility to visit and stay some place for a couple of months if we choose, and travel at our own pace.
If you could take anyone to lunch (dead or alive) who would that be and where would you go?
It would be Princess Diana and we would go to Crab Daddy’s on St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. It is one of my favorite towns. I loved that she was royalty, raised a family and did so much good in the world. She worked with children a lot, and that was probably part of why I was influenced by her.
What is your favorite music? Name three bands/performers you would like to see.
I listen to country music the most but I like older pop. I recently saw the Eagles and would love to see Elton John. And Journey as well.
What local business makes you the most nostalgic about Suwanee?
It’s not actually a business, but I would say Town Center Park because of the events there. It is the hub of the city and we love the Suwanee Fest parade and when the students perform at events.
What is your favorite thing about Suwanee?
It would be the community. I love that the city is progressive and there is a strong sense of community and family. We can go to concerts in the park and find families, old friends and new. People are friendly and it’s so much fun! There is so much pride in Suwanee.
Would you rather speak to a crowd of 500 or sing to a crowd of 50?
Definitely speak! I enjoy public speaking and do a lot of it!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully living in North Georgia in Rabun County doing something part-time, maybe with the Board of Education in a small town or volunteering with children.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to travel, shop and snow ski. My mother is a mayor in a small town.
