About Us

Verynda Stroughter

Verynda Stroughter has been an educator since 1997. She holds a Bachelors and Masters degree from the University of Michigan in Actuarial Science and Secondary Mathematics Education respectively. She also has a Specialist degree from Eastern Michigan University in Educational Administration.

Her professional career began as a mathematics teacher. She taught mathematics for 15 years at Macomb Community College and Detroit Public Schools before deciding to become an administrator. Mrs. Stroughter took her first administration job at Cass Technical High School as an assistant principal. Three years later, she took a job as an assistant principal at Seaholm High School in Birmingham before finally landing at her dream job as Principal of Renaissance High School.

Education and serving others are important to her and her family. Her husband, Lawrence, is the principal at Bloomfield Hills High School. Together, they have three sons; Miles, Dylan, and Lincoln. Mrs. Stroughter enjoys spending time with her family and friends, entertaining and watching sports, primarily college football.

As an educator, Mrs. Stroughter is committed to all students and their academic and social-emotional success. She believes that all students will flourish when they are provided with a positive and impactful educational experience. She is 100% behind the growth and maturity of students in becoming the best young adults that they can be.

Mrs. Stroughter hopes to maintain, cultivate and enhance a culture of continuous improvement around teaching and learning, while providing students opportunities to feel connected to the building through academics, arts, activities and athletics. She wishes to foster students who will be proud alumni with the desire to give back to their school community. As an advocate for all students, Mrs. Stroughter is committed to honor and utilize the unique talents and contributions of all students. She will strive to ensure students feel a sense of belonging while providing access to courses and activities that will enhance, engage, and empower them along their educational journey.

Building relationships, embracing the school culture and continuing the extensive legacy at Renaissance High School is her ultimate desire.

Lewis Grady

Mr. Grady is an Assistant Principal at Renaissance High School.  He believes all children can succeed with the right processes in place.

Joseph Hunter

Mr. Hunter is a native of Detroit and a graduate of Martin Luther King High School’s MSAT Program.  He received a Bachelor of Science from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Arts from Wayne State University. In his 23 years as an educator, Mr. Hunter has delivered instruction in Romulus Community Schools, Wayne County Community College, and Detroit Public Schools.  He has served as a Mathematics Teacher, Master Teacher in High School & an Assistant Principal on the K-8 level, prior to his arrival at Renaissance High School.

Mr. Hunter believes that a strong foundation of knowledge, pride, and community are the building blocks for excellence.  He strives to help every child achieve at levels greater than he or she ever thought possible.  For over twenty-eight years, Mr. Hunter has been a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated and has served as the sponsor of several diverse student organizations.  He is a father of 3 children, 2 girls & 1 boy all of whom attend DPSCD Schools. He uses his experiences that he gained from raising his children & these organizations in order to further instill in all of his students that education is the key to achieving goals and that anything can be accomplished if you work hard. 

As the assistant principal, Mr. Hunter hopes to continue to promote high-quality education from our staff, instill ownership and pride in our students, and continue to foster Renaissance's reputation for excellence.  All students have value and, like a diamond, they may start as a lump of coal, but with the right influence and pressure, they will shine bright and beautiful in the world, especially with the proper support and guidance.

Cindy Powell

Cindy Powell is an Assistant Principal of Renaissance High School. She is truly honored to be a Phoenix and a member of this prestigious community of educational excellence. As an educator of 27 years, it has been a privilege to dedicate her life to educating today’s youth.

She believes in fostering a positive relationship with students, staff and community partners. This relationship is built on mutual respect, honesty, and open communication. She leads with integrity, transparency, and the belief that all students deserve and must receive a quality education. This belief is the foundation of her educational philosophy that failure is not an option. Thus, she works tirelessly to support students academically, socially, and emotionally.

As a native Detroiter who attended all Detroit Public Schools, she had a clear understanding of the importance of a quality education at a very young age.

Outside of being an educator, she is married to Michael Powell and has two amazing children, Miah, and Michael. Miah is a DPSCD graduate and a junior at Howard University. Michael is a senior and is headed to Morehouse College in the fall. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts and sporting events and spending time with family and friends.

Being an Assistant Principal is a true honor that she does not take lightly. She is committed to ensuring Renaissance High School is one of the best schools in the city, state, and country.

John White