Mr. Mike Perez is proud to be the principal of Grassfield High School. Now in his 30th year as an educator with Chesapeake Public Schools, Mr. Perez was a teacher for seven years (1993-2000), served as Assistant Principal at Hickory Middle School for three years (2000-2003), Assistant Principal at Western Branch High School for five years (2003-2008), Principal of Hugo Owens Middle School for five years (2008-2013) and is now in his tenth year as a Grizzly (2013-present).
Mr. Perez was an Honor Graduate at Great Bridge High school in 1987, received a Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University in 1993, and a Master of Science in Education Administration in 1999, also from Old Dominion University. He recently earned a credential as a Level 1 Antiracist Educator from Virginia Commonwealth University. As a lifelong learner, Mr. Perez is currently continuing his education as a doctoral candidate at Regent University.
Mr. Perez is the proud parent of two Grassfield Grizzly graduates from the classes of 2018 and 2021. He has served the community by participating on the Board of Advisors of the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways History Foundation, is Past President of the Deep Creek Ruritan Club, Treasurer for the Southeastern District, Chairman of the VHSL 6A Region. He is also an avid performing and recording musician. Mr. Perez can be found roaming the halls of Grassfield High School proudly ending every statement with, “And as always, Go Grizzlies!”
Assistant Principal for Instruction, Mr. John Close –
12th Grade Assistant Principal, Mr. Matt Fulford –
Mr. Fulford is a 2000 graduate of Great Bridge High School. After graduating from Great Bridge High School, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Christopher Newport University, a Master of Science Degree in Secondary Education from Old Dominion University, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University.
Mr. Fulford is entering his 19th year as an educator with Chesapeake Public Schools. He began his teaching career at Great Bridge High School where he served as a Mathematics teacher for 8 years. This is Mr. Fulford’s 11th year serving as an assistant principal at Grassfield High School.
Mr. Fulford resides in Chesapeake with his wife, Meredith, three children, Caleb (Chesapeake Public School Graduate – GBHS Class of 2021), Taylor, and Ruby, and dog Laney.
11th Grade Assistant Principal, Mrs. Kellie Collins –
Mrs. Collins is excited to return to Grassfield for her second year as assistant principal as she begins her 8th year with Chesapeake Public Schools and 14th year as an educator. She began her career in public education as an Earth Science teacher at Maury High School in Norfolk, VA for 6 years. Mrs. Collins was recognized as Hickory High School’s Teacher of the Year in 2017, where she taught Earth and Space Science for 6 years.
She was born on Chincoteague Island and moved to Norfolk to pursue her Bachelor’s in Ocean, Earth, and Atmospheric Science from Old Dominion University. She became a lifelong monarch earning both her Ms. Ed in Secondary Science Curriculum and Ed.S in Educational Leadership.
10th Grade Assistant Principal, Mr. Sylvester Freeman –
Mr. Sylvester Freeman is a 1984 graduate of Indian River High School. After graduating from Indian River High School, he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics from Saint Paul’s College and holds a Master’s of Arts in Mathematics and an endorsement in Administration and Supervision Pre-K-12 from Norfolk State University. He is an honorably discharged commissioned officer of the United States Army. Mr. Freeman is entering his 31st year as an educator, 6 years with SECEP, 14 years at Indian River High School as a math teacher, and 11 years at Grassfield High. Mr. Freeman lives in Chesapeake with his wife, Sundai, and is the proud father of two children, SaReena and Sylvester. His children are graduates of Chesapeake Public Schools.
Mr. Freeman competes in the 100% Raw World Power Lifting Federation where he has won the world bench championship 2003-2010, 2014, and 2015. Mr. Freeman’s other hobbies include table tennis, singing, and personal training. Mr. Freeman is proud to be a part of the Grassfield family and is looking forward to a great year.
9th Grade Assistant Principal, Dr. Helen Sapieka –
Dr. Sapieka is honored to serve the Grassfield community as the 9th grade assistant principal, where she is passionate about ensuring a successful transition for rising 9th graders from their respective middle schools. She deeply believes the “Grizzly Way” leads students to exceed their potential, fulfill their purpose, and challenge the precedent.
Prior to becoming a Grizzly, Dr. Sapieka served two years as an assistant principal of Crestwood Middle School and two years as the behavior coach at Oscar Smith Middle School. Dr. Sapieka relocated from the midwest after eight years in public education.
She earned her Doctorate and Educational Specialist degrees in educational leadership from Liberty University. She also received her Masters of Science in Administration and Supervision with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University and her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Secondary Education from Carthage College.
When she is not working, Dr. Sapieka is adventuring with her golden retriever, Griffin. She was a competitive swimmer and track & field athlete, and is excited to cheer on her Grizzlies in all sports and activities!