Meet The Principal
Welcome to Hylen Souders Elementary!
Welcome to the 2026–27 school year at Hylen Souders Elementary, where "The Magic of Learning at Souders" awaits!
This year, we invite our students, staff, and families to discover the magic that happens when curiosity is sparked, questions are encouraged, and every child is given the opportunity to grow. Each day brings a new chance to learn something amazing, discover a new strength, and create a little magic of our own. At Souders, we believe learning is an adventure worth taking—and every student has a special part to play.
Our incredible staff is ready and excited to begin another year of inspiring and guiding our Eagles. We are committed to personalizing instruction, engaging learners, and creating classrooms where students feel confident to take risks, embrace challenges, and believe in what they are capable of achieving. With the right encouragement, support, and a little bit of magic, there is no limit to what our students can accomplish!
Souders is more than just a school—it is a community where students and families feel supported, valued, and connected. The partnership between home and school is an important part of helping our Eagles thrive, and we are so grateful for the continued support of our Souders families.
I am excited to open this new chapter together and see all of the wonderful things our students will learn, discover, and accomplish. Here’s to a year filled with wonder, growth, friendship, and a little Souders magic along the way!
Let’s make it a magical year!
About Amanda
Amanda is originally from the Kansas City, Missouri, area. She attended the University of Missouri–Columbia, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Administration.
Over the course of her twenty years in education, her family’s journey has taken her to schools in Missouri, Nevada, and Louisiana, where she taught third, fourth, and fifth grades as well as Behavioral Special Education.
Amanda joined Big Walnut Local Schools in 2017 and has been part of the Souders family ever since.
Amanda lives in Sunbury with her husband and their two daughters, who both attend Big Walnut schools. Being part of the same school community as her own children makes her role at Souders especially meaningful. She loves connecting with students and their families and feels fortunate to be part of a community that is such an important part of her family’s life.
Amanda is passionate about creating a school where every child feels known, valued, and excited to learn. She looks forward to continuing to Inspire and Guide Souders Eagles and making the 2026–27 school year a magical year of learning, growth, and discovery!