Rita Lail's Biography
Rita is a Catawba County native. She grew up in the Startown community and
graduated from Fred T. Foard high school. She attended UNC Chapel Hill where she
majored in Elementary Education. She retired from Catawba County Schools after 30
years as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. As a life-long educator, she
continues to work interim positions in schools and as a University Field Supervisor for
Appalachian State University.
Rita and her husband Pete live in the Balls Creek community. They have 2 children
Maddie and Trevor. Maddie currently lives in Charlotte with her corgi Penelope. Trevor
passed away on December 31, 2016 at the age of 18, after a long and courageous
battle with lymphoma.
The Hearts and Hope Foundation was instrumental during Trevor’s battle with cancer.
They provided lodging for the family while they were at Duke Hospital for a stem cell
transplant. Their generosity allowed the Lail family to stay together during this
challenging time.
Rita is especially grateful for all of the support from Hearts and Hope and is passionate
about her role as a board member. She sees this as an opportunity to give back to all of
the folks who were so supportive during her son’s illness.
graduated from Fred T. Foard high school. She attended UNC Chapel Hill where she
majored in Elementary Education. She retired from Catawba County Schools after 30
years as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. As a life-long educator, she
continues to work interim positions in schools and as a University Field Supervisor for
Appalachian State University.
Rita and her husband Pete live in the Balls Creek community. They have 2 children
Maddie and Trevor. Maddie currently lives in Charlotte with her corgi Penelope. Trevor
passed away on December 31, 2016 at the age of 18, after a long and courageous
battle with lymphoma.
The Hearts and Hope Foundation was instrumental during Trevor’s battle with cancer.
They provided lodging for the family while they were at Duke Hospital for a stem cell
transplant. Their generosity allowed the Lail family to stay together during this
challenging time.
Rita is especially grateful for all of the support from Hearts and Hope and is passionate
about her role as a board member. She sees this as an opportunity to give back to all of
the folks who were so supportive during her son’s illness.