Meet Our Principals

Mrs. Jenny Richards is the head principal of Deer Creek Middle School. With more than 20 years of experience in education, Mrs. Richards is well-versed in helping make students and teachers successful. During her 10 years in Deer Creek, Mrs. Richards served as an assistant principal for seven years before becoming the head principal at DCMS in 2021. When Mrs. Richards was in the classroom, she taught first grade, Title I reading and was a literacy coach. She graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. Mrs. Richards comes from a family of educators and is proud to serve as a middle school principal just like her dad! Outside of school, Mrs. Richards enjoys spending time with her family and watching her boys play baseball. 

Mr. Marcus Smith is a seventh and eighth grade principal overseeing the Explorers, Avengers and Ninjas. He has spent half his time in education in Deer Creek, with more than 16 years total of experience in education. Before becoming an assistant principal, he taught Geography, U.S. History, Oklahoma History, Government and Fit for Life. He graduated from Oklahoma Christian University with his bachelor's degree and from Southeastern Oklahoma State University with his master's degree. Mr. Smith comes from a family of career educators. His father was a teacher, coach and administrator, and his mother was an ELA and history teacher. Growing up in gyms across Oklahoma created a desire in him to coach high school basketball and work in education.

Mr. Taylor Upchurch is the seventh grade assistant principal overseeing the Titans, Knights and Spartans teams. Mr. Upchurch has more than 18 years of experience in education, serving as an Environmental Science and Biology teacher, high school assistant principal, and now DCMS assistant principal. He holds a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University and a master's degree from Southern Nazarene University. He chose a career in education because his grandfather's role as a school counselor and middle school principal inspired him. Mr. Upchurch finds joy in mentoring and helping others. Outside of school, he loves spending time with his wife Jacie and their daughter Clover. He enjoys jogging, reading memoirs and listening to music. 

Ms. Carla Young is the eighth grade principal who oversees the Thunder, Warriors, Gladiators, and Squad teams. She has more than 20 years of experience in education, and has been in the Antler Family for nearly four years. Prior to becoming an administrator, Ms. Young taught high school science, specifically Chemistry and AP Chemistry. Ms. Young graduated from University of Central Oklahoma with her bachelor's degree, and one of her master's degrees. She also graduated from Southern Nazarene University with a master's degree, and is a doctoral candidate at the University of Oklahoma. Outside of school, Ms. Young likes to spend her time watching her children play sports.