Cleveland Middle

Nat Akiona
Principal

Phone: (423) 479-9641
Email: nakiona@clevelandschools.org

Nat Akiona is the principal of Cleveland Middle School within Cleveland City Schools. Originally from West Monroe, Louisiana, Nat pursued his passion for education by obtaining dual Bachelor's degrees in Secondary English Education and Psychology from Lee University. He furthered his academic journey by earning a Master's degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Tennessee Tech University.

With an impressive 27-year career in education, Nat Akiona joined Cleveland City Schools in August 2021 as the principal of Cleveland Middle School. Throughout his career, Nat has garnered recognition for his exceptional contributions to the field of education. He was named a Finalist for the 2015 Principal of the Year for the State of Tennessee, a testament to his outstanding leadership abilities.

Nat's dedication to teaching and commitment to students' growth and success has not gone unnoticed. In 2009, he received the prestigious "Educator of the Year" award from Kappa Delta Pi, a distinguished educational honor society. Additionally, in 2004, he was recognized as the District "Teacher of the Year" at the secondary level, further solidifying his reputation as an exemplary educator.

As the principal of Cleveland Middle School, Nat Akiona continues to positively impact the lives of students, staff, and the community, providing a nurturing and enriching environment for learning and growth.

Dr. Keri Miles
6th Grade Assistant Principal

Phone: (423) 479-9641
Email: kmiles@clevelandschools.org

Keri Miles is the 6th-grade Grade Assistant Principal for Cleveland Middle School. Her connection to the local community runs deep, as she attended Mayfield Elementary, Cleveland Middle, and Cleveland High during her own academic journey.

Keri earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Lee University, a Master of Arts in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Tech University, and a Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance from Louisiana Tech University. Her dedication to her field led her to achieve a Doctor of Education from Trevecca Nazarene University.

In her career, Keri has accumulated 18 years of experience in education, taking on various roles such as a teacher, counselor, and administrator. She joined Cleveland City Schools in 2022 but has already made a significant impact on the school community.

Her commitment to excellence is evident through her recognition as a National Certified Counselor, showcasing her dedication to providing students with guidance and support in their academic and personal growth.

Emily Raper
7th Grade Assistant Principal

Phone: (423) 479-9641
Email: eraper@clevelandschools.org

Emily Raper is the 7th Grade Assistant Principal for Cleveland Middle School, hailing from Acworth, Georgia. She is an accomplished educator with an impressive academic background, having earned a Bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Education from Lee University. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.

Emily's journey in Cleveland City Schools began in 2011, when she started as a student teacher at Cleveland Middle School, teaching 7th-grade English Language Arts. She later taught 6th-grade science and social studies during her first year, but the majority of her time was spent as a 7th-grade English Language Arts teacher. Her dedication and commitment to education led her to take on the role of BLADE Facilitator at Cleveland Middle School before eventually becoming the Operations Assistant Principal at Blythe Bower Elementary School. In January 2023, she transitioned into her current position as the 7th Grade Assistant Principal at Cleveland Middle School.

Throughout her career, Emily has received several notable awards and recognitions, including being named the District Middle School Teacher of the Year in both 2016 and 2019. She also served on the Board of Trustees for the Association of Middle-Level Education (AMLE) from 2014 to 2019, showcasing her involvement and commitment to educational leadership.

Scott Carroll
8th Grade Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

Phone: (423) 479-9641
Email: scarroll@clevelandschools.org

Scott Carroll is the 8th Grade Assistant Principal and Athletic Director of Cleveland Middle School, a role he has held since 2015. Scott's strong ties to the community are evident in his extensive educational journey within the Cleveland City Schools system.

Having attended Stuart Elementary, Arnold Memorial Elementary, and Cleveland Jr. High, Scott is a proud alumnus of Cleveland High School. His commitment to education led him to earn a Bachelor's degree from Lee University, further equipping him for his lifelong mission in academia. Demonstrating his passion for leadership and growth, Scott pursued higher education and successfully attained a Master's degree in administration from Carson-Newman University, followed by another Master's degree in Athletic Administration from Ohio University.

Scott's impressive 30-year tenure in the Cleveland City Schools system speaks volumes about his dedication to contributing to the educational and athletic development of students. As the 8th Grade Assistant Principal, he has left a positive impact on countless young minds, guiding them through a crucial phase of their academic journey. Simultaneously, as the Athletic Director, he has overseen the school's sports programs, fostering an environment of sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork.