Reyhan Deskins believes in second chances. As the new assistant principal at William Fleming High School, he often shares his personal story with students.
As an Arlington, VA, native who attended school there, Deskins knew he wanted to be an educator. But after three semesters at James Madison University, Reyhan realized he was just wasting his time and his momma’s money. He moved to Danville, slept on his mom’s couch, and worked in a factory. He quickly realized it wasn’t the work he was cut out to do. So he went back to school.
Today, he has degrees from Danville Community College, Ferrum College, and Virginia Tech.
Before coming to William Fleming in August 2017, Deskins taught in Franklin County Schools for 17 years. He is honored to be part of a place so full of history.
“The owner of my son’s day-care is a Fleming graduate,” says Deskins who speaks about Fleming with such love and pride. “Other people I’ve met associated with the school speak about Fleming in the same (complementary) way and I wanted to be a part of that,” he said. He hopes his story will inspire other students.
“Education is the key. Whether you go to college or join the workforce, you always need to improve your skills. You need to pick yourself up when you fail. I hope to be a model and illustrate that to my students,” said Deskins.
His wife Sherrial Holland-Deskins is a teacher at Fallon Park in southeast.
The couple have three children: 20 year-old daughter ShaKim, two sons Bakari, 14 and 5-year-old Khalil.
Deskins says his goal is to be a principal.
“I am very pleased to work in a division that promotes diversity,” he adds.
