Welcome to Hickory Flat Elementary School, home of the Thunderbirds!
Kerry Estep, Principal
Mrs. Estep is honored and blessed to serve as the Principal of Hickory Flat Elementary, a role she proudly holds entering her 7th year. Before becoming principal, she served as Assistant Principal at Hickory Flat for four years—making her appointment as principal truly a dream come true.
With nearly 25 years in Cherokee County School District, Mrs. Estep brings a wealth of experience and passion to her leadership. She began her career teaching 3rd grade and Special Education at Boston Elementary, where she spent 11 years inspiring young learners. She later served as a Special Education Facilitator for three years before joining the Hickory Flat family.
Outside of school, Mrs. Estep enjoys life in Cherokee County with her husband and their two daughters. Her oldest, Addyson, is a sophomore at Georgia Southern University pursuing a degree in nursing. Her youngest, Ansleigh, is a junior at Creekview High School. In her free time, Mrs. Estep loves watching her daughter play volleyball, spending time with family, playing tennis, and cheering on the Crimson Tide.
Mrs. Estep is excited and ready to lead the Thunderbirds as they #TakeFlight in the 2026-2027 school year!
Email for Mrs. Estep:
Mrs. Vance prides herself on building relationships, having a positive outlook and chanting with our students, ♪"It's going to be a GOOD DAY!"♪.
This will be Mrs. Vance's seventh year soaring as a proud Thunderbird. Prior to joining HFES she served as Assistant Principal of R.M. Moore STEM Academy, played an active role in Clark Creek STEM Academy’s acquisition of State STEM Certification and taught in the Science Magnet and private sector. Through her career she has had the unique joy of teaching all grade levels, kindergarten through fifth grade.
Mrs. Vance received her bachelor's degree in early childhood education with a masters and specialist degree in educational leadership from Kennesaw State University. She also holds Reading, Gifted and Coaching Endorsements.
Mrs. Vance treasures family time and making memories with her two boys and wonderful husband. They are a baseball, tennis and traveling family who enjoy learning and growing together.
Mrs. Vance also values beginning or continuing a strong partnership with each HFES family to support student success and help every T-BIRD TAKE FLIGHT. Together we SOAR!
Email for Mrs. Vance:
Mr. Zomer is beyond excited to be a part of the Thunderbird Family! Previous to Hickory Flat, Mr. Zomer served as an Assistant Principal at Creekland Middle School, and before that was a science teacher at Mill Creek Middle School, Dean Rusk Middle School, and at Liberty Middle School in Forsyth County. He has 3 children in Cherokee County schools. When he is not working to support students and teachers, he spends time with his family, loves to cook, and is a dedicated University of Michigan fan.
Email for Mr. Zomer: