- July 10, 2026
Positivity is important to Samantha Fabulich.
It's what she wants to build a culture around at Champion Elementary, where she has been appointed as the school's new principal. Fabulich, an Ormond Beach resident, was most recently the school's assistant principal.
"Our culture needs to be built on the fact of we are here and we are supportive of each other — no matter if we're staff, students, anything," Fabulich said. "We need to be accepting and kind."
Fabulich began her education career in Volusia County Schools, having interned at Pathways Elementary in 1998-1999. A graduate of Florida State University, she was hired by the district in 2000. She worked as a teacher at Pathways for the bulk of her career — 21 years. She also previously coached the swimming team at Seabreeze High School.
A passion for education runs in her family, as Fabulich is the daughter of two longtime former school administrators, Melissa and Fred White. Her sister is also a teacher.
"It runs in my blood," Fabulich said.
Before making the jump to administration, Fabulich taught a variety of grades and held several roles in education throughout her career, including as an ESE support facilitator and teacher on assignment. She said she's a firm believer in gaining experience in different roles to have a better understanding prior to leading others.
"It helped to open my eyes to some things that I might not have seen if I was only in my four walls, shall I say," she said. "I think it helped me grow, not only as an educator, but just as somebody who is out in the community. ... It amazes me what our kiddos come to school with on their shoulders."
For example, Champion Elementary is the second highest served school in Volusia County by local nonprofit Provision Packs, which provides food to students at risk of hunger on weekends and extended school breaks. According to the nonprofit's 2024-2025 impact report, students at Champion Elementary received 2,048 packs, totaling about 22,528 meals.
"When I go drive up there to go put them in my car, [the packs] barely fit," Fabulich said. "It's that many."
Champion Elementary improved its school grade from a "C" to a "B" in the 2025-2026 school year. For the upcoming year, Fabulich said she and the school leadership team will be focusing on continuing to improve and help students with goal tracking. Improving scores in science and ELA will be a priority, as well as addressing chronic absenteesim.
"We have some ideas," Fabulich said. "We have teachers that are very excited to bring some new, fresh light to some things and get kids interested and families interested. We want to bring the community back here."
Champion is also bringing a new STEM teacher, with the hope of getting kids interested in subjects like robotics, engineering and coding.
Fabulich and fellow faculty members have been brainstorming a new motto for the school. For many years, it's been "Champions on the move," but Fabulich said they wanted something that would stick with them and the students.
They found that motto in the phrase, "Be the One."
"Be the one who's the leader," Fabulich said. "Be the one who's the positive light with somebody. Be the one who is kind. What one are you going to be throughout the year?"
