Head of School

Randy Dennis was named the 16th Head of School of Covington Latin School on May 15, 2025. Mr. Dennis has spent his entire professional career in education. Prior to serving as the Head of School of Covington Latin, Randy served as the Principal of St. Lawrence School (Lawrenceburg, Indiana) and St. Mary School (Aurora, Indiana). During that time, he was instrumental in the successful merger of the two schools, all while increasing the enrollment. Prior to serving as a Principal, Randy spent 17 years in the classroom teaching history at South Dearborn Community Schools. During that time, he was involved in coaching football and basketball, sponsoring the National Junior Honor Society, coaching Academic Teams, and serving as an Instructional Leader. Randy also worked with gifted students during the summer to facilitate year-round learning.

Mr. Dennis earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Indiana University and his Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Mary.

Director for Advancement

Amy Darpel is a lifelong Northern Kentuckian. She graduated from Villa Madonna Academy and pursued degrees at Thomas More College. Amy has spent her entire teaching career advocating for gifted students and working with students who struggle with Executive Functioning Disorder. Amy has had various roles at Covington Latin School, including admissions, marketing, Executive Director of ExploreMore!, Dean of Studies, and Director for Advancement.  

Mrs. Darpel is married to her high school sweetheart and has three children and one grandchild.  Her son, Jake, attended CLS and graduated in 2016.

Director for Enrollment Management and Marketing

Zack Ryle joined Covington Latin School in the Spring of 2025. Zack has a long career of working with gifted and talented students. Following the completion of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast News from Western Kentucky University, he started working at the Center for Gifted Studies under the tutelage of Gifted Education expert Dr. Julia Roberts. In 2014, Zack earned his Master of Science in Recreation and Sport Administration with a focus in Media and Branding from WKU. Also in 2014, Zack assumed the role of Assistant Director of Admissions and Public Relations with The Gatton Academy, a role he held for more than 6 years. In 2020, Zack returned to his alma mater and worked for The Mahurin Honors College as their Assistant Director for Enrollment and Brand Management. In 2023, Zack left WKU to work for the US Equestrian Federation, which is the National Governing Body for Equestrian sports (and was a part of the communications team during the 2024 Paris Olympics). Zack is excited to return to working with gifted students and returning to his home in Northern Kentucky!

Zack is married to Mary Katherine and has one daughter (Oaklynn) and two goldendoodles (Penny and Rosie).

Dean of Studies

Samantha Darpel Rice has been working at Covington Latin School since 2016, where she found her passion for teaching. She completed her undergraduate degree from Thomas More University in 2018, with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Theater, and English. After completing her studies, Samantha went on to earn her Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching English Grades 5-12 from the University of the Cumberlands. She currently teaches Speech, Theater, English, and Film Studies at CLS. Samantha also serves as the moderator for the Drama Club, Book Club, and Student Council.

Dean of Students

James Stebbins (’16) is an alumnus of Covington Latin School. Following graduation, Mr. Stebbins studied at Xavier University, where he earned his CPHAB (Classics and Philosophy Honors Bachelor of the Arts program) degree. In the fall of 2020, he joined the faculty of Covington Latin, returning to his roots to teach future generations of Trojans Latin, Greek, Chemistry, and Philosophy.  In 2023, Mr. Stebbins received his Master of Arts in Teaching from Thomas More University. He lives in Latonia and is getting married in June of this year.

Director of Campus Ministry

Madison Light (’15) is an alumna of Covington Latin School. Upon graduation from CLS, Ms. Light pursued her Bachelor of Arts degree in History with minors in English and Philosophy from Thomas More University, which she earned in 2019. In 2022, she earned her Master of Arts degree in Public History from Northern Kentucky University, and she is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Teaching from Thomas More University. Ms. Light joined Covington Latin’s faculty in the Fall of 2022 as a History faculty member. In the Fall of 2023, she accepted the role of Director of Campus Ministry.  As Director of Campus Ministry, she is excited to deepen student engagement in faith, service, and leadership, in keeping with the school’s mission of forming young people in goodness, discipline, and knowledge.

Covington Latin School is a part of Thomas More University, the Catholic University of the Diocese of Covington, KY. Learn more about the Thomas More University leadership.