Administration

Mrs. Raina Holmes, Principal

Mrs. Raina Holmes is in her eighth year as an administrator at Vancleave High School. The 2024-2025 school year marks her sixth year as the Principal at Vancleave High School, having served two years as the assistant principal. Mrs. Holmes obtained her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. She also earned her Associate's Degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College where she was a member of the 1999-2000 MGCCC Women's South State and State Championship Basketball team.

Mrs. Holmes has earned several honors during her time as an administrator.  She was recently awarded the 2023-2024 Jackson County School District Administrator of the Year and in 2020-2021, she was named Administrator of the Year for Vancleave Attendance Center. Additional recognitions include Kiwanis Rookie of the Year and PREPS Leadership Academy. Currently, Mrs. Holmes serves a member of the Mississippi Department of Education Accountability Task Force. 

Throughout her career she has held various roles, including Assistant Principal, Special Education Teacher, History Teacher, Cheerleading Sponsor and Head Girls Basketball Coach. She led her basketball teams to the state playoffs eight of nine years, winning back-to-back district championships in 2010 and 2011. She received the honor of being named the Division 7-5A Coach of the Year in 2010.

​The 2024-2025 school year will mark her 22nd year in education; her 12th year in administration. Mrs. Holmes is a graduate of Vancleave High School and a lifelong resident of Vancleave. She is honored to serve as a leader in the school and community in which she was born and raised. She is married to Roman Holmes, who is also a career educator. They have two daughters, Mary Claire and Lily. She is honored to serve as a leader in the school and community in which she was born and raised.