VALDOSTA — L. Al Swilley was recently named principal of Pine Grove Elementary School, beginning in July.

He is a life-long resident of Valdosta-Lowndes County. He is married to Lori (McCorkle) Swilley and they have twin daughters, Serena and Kathryn, according to Lowndes County school officials.

Swilley has served as assistant principal at Sallas Mahone Elementary School, since 2014. He considers his time with Valdosta City Schools a true joy where he was able to work with great teachers and leaders and was able to teach and serve some of the best students in Georgia, according to county officials.

Swilley said he is excited to become a part of the Lowndes County School System as the principal of Pine Grove Elementary School.

He extended his thanks to Lowndes County School Superintendent Wes Taylor and the Lowndes County Board of Education for the confidence in selecting him to be principal.

Swilley said he will bring the same dedication and excitement toward education that he has shown the past 18 years.