Our Team
Jeff Rouff
Principal
Mr. Rouff is a lifelong Lakota resident who has been the principal at Hopewell Junior since August 2011. He came to Hopewell Junior in 1997 as a Social Studies teacher and coach. He is a 1992 Lakota graduate and is the father of 2 Lakota West graduates. Ensuring a special experience for all students at Hopewell Junior, similar to the one he had, is the primary driver to being at Hopewell Junior.
Blake Cripe
Assistant Principal
Mr. Cripe has been an educator for 14 years. Mr. Cripe did his student teaching at Hopewell Junior and taught math and science before becoming the Assistant Principal in August 2021. Mr. Cripe loves continuing the many great traditions that were started by principals before him as well as starting new ones for Hopewell’s students and families.
Karen Gantzer
Secretary, Data Processing Specialist
Mrs. Gantzer serves as both Attendance Secretary and Data Specialist for Hopewell Junior. Contact her with questions about HAC passwords, student enrollment/withdrawal and report cards.
Andria Lapthorn
Guidance
As a School Counselor, Mrs. Andria Lapthorn works with students, teachers, and parents to support student academic, college/career and social/emotional needs. Her responsibilities include student scheduling, connecting families to community resources, and providing school programs to address student development. Mrs. Lapthorn brings experience as a high school teacher and school counselor to her work with middle schoolers and families during these pivotal transitional years.
Kimberly Phillips
Office Manager
Ms. Phillips serves as secretary to the Principal. Ms. Phillips can assist Hopewell families with questions regarding student fee charges, facility usage, alternative school of choice forms and Lifetouch pictures.
Kelly Stevens
Office Secretary
Ms. Stevens serves as secretary to the Assistant Principal and the Athletic Director. Ms. Stevens assists in scheduling parent/teacher conferences, as well as billing and receiving payments for athletic fees.