Principal Mendrek Solite Scales Excellence as an Everyday Mentor
In celebration of National Principals Month, National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) is proud to highlight leaders who foster growth, build strong instructional practices, and inspire those around them. This week, we spotlight Mendrek Solite, Jr., principal of Advantage Charter Academy in Baker, LA, who was nominated by his Director of School Quality (DSQ), Jessica Dominique, for The Everyday Mentors recognition.
Although only in his second year as a principal, Solite is already demonstrating a level of leadership and mentorship that extends far beyond the walls of his own school. His commitment to hands-on development and collaborative growth makes him a standout leader across the network.
Hands-On Instructional Leadership
At Advantage Charter Academy, Solite is deeply intentional about cultivating growth among both his leadership team and instructional staff. Rather than delegating critical coaching responsibilities, he rolls up his sleeves to lead alongside his staff. He works directly with his deans by modeling effective Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and providing real-time feedback, while actively co-owning math coaching and development for teachers.
Dominique noted how Solite’s active presence drives continuous improvement within his building.
"Within Advantage, Mendrek is intentional about developing the leaders and teachers around him," Dominique shared. "He is currently modeling effective PLCs and real-time feedback for his deans, giving them opportunities to see strong instructional leadership practices in action."
Expanding His Impact Across Schools
Solite’s dedication to mentorship does not stop at Advantage's front doors. He actively supports Advantage's sister school, Inspire Charter Academy, by visiting at least once a week to facilitate math PLCs, coach teachers, and provide hands-on instructional support for grades 3–8 mathematics. To strengthen this partnership, he regularly hosts Inspire math teachers at Advantage so they can see modeled instructional practices implemented live in the classroom.
Beyond weekly school visits, Solite also supports the broader region. In September, he participated in Atlanta Heights Charter School’s mock charter renewal visit, providing observations and actionable feedback to help prepare the school for its formal review.
This collaborative approach perfectly reflects Dominique’s leadership philosophy for the region.
"As a DSQ, one of my visions for the leaders I support is that they scale excellence," Dominique explained. "Excellence should not remain isolated within one classroom, one team, or one school. Mendrek exemplifies that vision."
Modeling What It Means to Be an Everyday Mentor
What distinguishes Solite as a mentor is his active, side-by-side approach to professional development. Whether leading a PLC on National Dot Day while working directly with a paraprofessional or co-leading a PLC at Inspire alongside Advantage's 6–8 Dean Jason Fisher, Solite consistently leads by example.
"What makes Mendrek an Everyday Mentor is that he does not simply give advice, he models, coaches, opens his doors, shares what is working, and works alongside others," Dominique said. "His influence is growing beyond his own building because he understands that leadership is not only about creating excellence; it is about scaling excellence so that more teachers, leaders, and ultimately students benefit from it."
Building a Legacy of Shared Growth
Solite’s willingness to share expertise, open his doors, and invest in educators across multiple schools sets a strong benchmark for educational leadership.
"For a leader in only his second year as a principal, that commitment to developing others and multiplying strong practice is impressive and makes Mendrek an excellent example of an Everyday Mentor," Dominique added.
Thank you, Principal Solite, for your dedication, collaborative spirit, and commitment to scaling excellence across our school communities. Happy National Principals Month!