Richard Carey, a Jacksonville, Fla., native, has assumed the helm at Thunderbird Adventist Academy (TAA) as principal.

Carey grew up traveling a lot as a "Navy brat," because his dad was a career Navy man. However, when he was in the tenth grade, his parents divorced, and he, his mom and sisters moved to Highland Academy in Portland, Tenn., where he graduated from academy.

The boarding school experience proved to be a pivotal point in his young life. He decided to become a teacher because of the influence of his Highland Academy professors. After college, he began his teaching career.

Carey comes to TAA having served as an elementary teacher and principal, junior academy teacher and principal, associate superintendent, and, most recently, as superintendent for schools for the Illinois Conference where he has served for the last eight years.

Carey is married to Bonnie Richardson Carey, a registered nurse, and has two adult children. His oldest daughter teaches school and is married to a youth pastor in Tampa, Fla. His youngest daughter will be a second-year medical student at Loma Linda Univeristy (LLU) this fall.

Carey received his undergraduate degree from Southern Adventist University and his master's in educational administration from Andrews University. Along with his administrative and superintendency credentials, he holds a professional teaching certificate.

Carey brings a special mix of experience and enthusiasm to TAA. He has a strong commitment to service outreach and has helped to develop a weekly outreach program for the academy. Carey hopes to pass on the spirit of service to the TAA students.

Carey has been a Sabbath school teacher, an elder and spends an average of one Sabbath a month preaching. His hobbies include technology, music, museums and golf.