The 2023-24 school year marks Mr. Lani’s 12th year serving as an administrator at Evergreen Mill Elementary School. As principal, he strives to foster a partnership between home and school that is based upon communication, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. At Evergreen Mill, it will remain our goal to ensure a positive and engaging educational atmosphere that will motivate each of our students to achieve to their fullest potential, prepare them as 21st Century learners, and provide them with the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the world. Our students will find their passion in an equitable, student-focused learning environment as we seek to move every student from being dependent learners to independent thinkers.

Mr. Lani has served as a public-school educator for the past 26 years, both in Loudoun County and in the state of New York. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Messiah College in 1992. He then received a Master's degree in Reading from Long Island University in 2001 and a second Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Shenandoah University in 2007. He began his teaching career in New York where he taught first grade and served as a reading specialist at Brook Avenue Elementary School. In 2005, he relocated to Loudoun County and joined the distinguished team of educators who comprise Loudoun County Public Schools. During his time in Loudoun, he has served as a reading specialist at Belmont Station Elementary School, Lucketts Elementary School, and Lincoln Elementary School, and as a 5th grade teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal at Evergreen Mill Elementary School.

Under Mr. Lani's leadership, the staff at Evergreen Mill will continue to be champions for our students! Evergreen Mill will be a place where every student and staff member feels a sense of belonging, is highly engaged in teaching and learning, and has a strong connection to their peers and colleagues. Mr. Lani will continue to guide the staff in implementing culturally responsive teaching practices with a focus on deeper learning opportunities for each student.  Mr. Lani is excited about the continued focus on Personalized Learning, the success of the Second Step Social Emotional Learning curriculum, and our commitment to Project Based Learning through our Passion Projects model at Evergreen Mill. He is also excited about the growth of our Computer Science Integration program this year to include grades K-5! Mr. Lani is committed to ensuring that each student who walks through the doors of Evergreen Mill Elementary School has an outstanding educational experience each day and that each child will know that they have been seen, that they are loved, and that they matter!  He is always expecting success!

BECAUSE KIDS!