New To the Nest

Written By: Emerson Morris and Travian Holloway

Whitney Woolard

“I want to make a difference in children’s lives.” That’s the mindset new middle school health and P.E. teacher Whitney Woolard brings to East Wake Academy, and it’s clear her goals go far beyond the gym. For Woolard, P.E. isn’t just about being physically active, but it’s about “sowing good seeds” and creating an environment where students feel excited to come to school. She hopes to build strong connections, help plan school-wide events, and be someone who positively impacts students both inside and outside the classroom. “If students want to be at school, everything else starts to fall into place.”

(Photographed by Travian Holloway) Coach Woolard is interacting with her students in P.E.

Woolard chose EWA not only for its strong sense of community, but also for her own family. With a daughter in second grade, she wanted her to attend a good school, and after interviewing at EWA multiple times in the past, she said the “timing finally felt right.” Before coming here, Woolard worked at Southern Nash Middle School, where she coached volleyball and softball. Now, living in Zebulon and teaching at EWA, she’s excited to be closer to home and even more excited for the opportunity to make a lasting impact on her students.