A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

FOR RELEASE
October 4, 1999

Contact:
Melinda Kitchell Malico
(202) 401-1008

NATIONAL DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL PRINCIPALS HONORED

Fifty-nine outstanding elementary and middle school principals from across the nation, as well as U.S. schools abroad, were named today as 1999 National Distinguished Principals by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). They will be honored Oct. 15 at an awards banquet at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, D.C. U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley is scheduled to present the awards.

"Among the many challenges faced by today's principals is helping to ensure that each child is valued and connected at school to a caring adult," said Riley. "This challenge, coupled with a commitment to raising the academic achievement of all children through higher standards, and ensuring safety and discipline in the nation's schools, has made the job of a principal even more challenging.

"As the instructional leader, the principal ensures that all aspects of the school help boost student achievement. To accomplish this, good principals spend time in classrooms, help teachers to become more effective and closely monitor student learning. And effective principals function as community leaders by encouraging greater parent involvement, building support for raising standards, connecting with after-school and summer programs and taking part in other community activities. Those being honored here today have distinguished themselves in many of these ways and I commend them."

"High-quality education takes top-notch leaders," said Vincent L. Ferrandino, NAESP's executive director. "These 59 individuals clearly exemplify the characteristics and drive that typify today's elementary and middle school principals."

The department and NAESP began the program in 1984 to recognize public and private school principals who make outstanding contributions to their schools and communities.

The distinguished principals were selected by NAESP affiliates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and by committees representing private and overseas schools. NAESP represents 28,000 U.S. elementary and middle school principals.

Each affiliate used its own selection process, following guidelines established by NAESP and the department for determining outstanding leadership. The guidelines include: nomination by peers; demonstrated commitment to excellence; evidence of support by students, colleagues, parents and the community; high standards and expectations for students and staff; and service as a principal for at least five years.

The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC), based in Houston, is the corporate partner for the annual program. VALIC hosts the awards banquet and provides lodging for the honored principals and their guests. VALIC also provides the principals with a certificate and an engraved, bronze school bell.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: A list of principals follows. For biographical information about the principals and information about the October 14-15 program, or to request an interview while the principals are in Washington, call June Million at NAESP, (703) 518-6260 or 1-800-386-2377.

Alabama
Dr. Alice K. Huddleston, Ophelia S. Hill Elementary School, Munford

Alaska
Mr. David E. Nufer, Finger Lake Elementary School, Palmer

Arizona
Ms. Rosanna B. Gallagher, Mary Louise Robins Elementary School, Tucson

Arkansas
Mrs. Sandra K. Hughey, Gosnell Elementary School, Gosnell

California
Mrs. Mercedes C. Boles, Holly Oak Elementary School, San Jose

Private Schools of California
Ms. Grace Walker, Saint Therese School, Alhambra

Colorado
Mrs. Patricia J. Brown, Mountain View Elementary School, Broomfield

Connecticut
Mrs. Paula P. Erickson, Dr. Thomas S. O'Connell Elementary School, E. Hartford

Delaware
Dr. Edward E. Taylor, II, West Seaford Elementary School, Seaford

District of Columbia
Ms. Angela M. Tilghman, Myrtilla Miner Elementary School

Florida
Mrs. Melanie Fox, Coral Gables Elementary School, Coral Gables

Georgia
Mr. G. David Carpenter, Eagle Springs Elementary School, Byron

Hawaii
Ms. Sharon T. Nakagawa, Waialua Elementary School, Waialua

Idaho
Ms. Debbie Kay Toy, Trail Wind Elementary School, Boise

Illinois
Mr. Marvin R. Warner, Grantfork Elementary School, Highland

Indiana
Mr. Curt Hoffman (posthumously), John Wood Elementary School, Merrillville

Iowa
Ms. Cynthia L. Morgan, Clark Elementary School, New London

Private Schools of Iowa
Ms. Anita J. Westerhaus, Sacred Heart School, West Des Moines

Kansas
Mr. Allen L. Park, Washington Elementary School, Hays

Kentucky
Mrs. Ima L. Johns, Sanders Elementary School, Pleasure Ridge Park

Louisiana
Mrs. Nancy LeCompte Cech, Charles M. Burke Elementary School, Duson

Private Schools of Louisiana
Sr. Mary de Lourdes Charbonnet, S.L.W., Saint Edward the Confessor School, Metairie

Maine
Mrs. Beth A. Chamberlin, Lura Libby School/Cushing Community School, Thomaston

Maryland
Ms. Karen T. Smith, West Side Elementary School, Cumberland

Massachusetts
Ms. Michelle M. Fitzpatrick, Howe Manning and Fuller Meadow Schools, Middleton

Michigan
Mr. Robert E. Howe, Jr., Leslie Middle School, Leslie

Minnesota
Dr. Mary Gwen Endorf, Orono Primary School, Maple Plain

Mississippi
Dr. Roland Donald Evans, Eastside Elementary School, Clinton

Missouri
Mr. Robert L. Hogan, McIntire Elementary School, Fulton

Montana
Ms. Liane J. Hughes, Morning Star School, Bozeman

Nebraska
Mr. Tearle P. List, Parkview Heights Elementary School, Lavista

Nevada
Dr. James LaBuda, Martha P. King Elementary School, Boulder City

New Hampshire
Ms. Susanne P. Whitbeck, Pembroke Hill & Pembroke Village Schools, Pembroke

New Jersey
Mr. Joseph A. Pizza, Silver Bay Elementary School, Toms River

New Mexico
Mr. Daniel L. Anderson, Chaparral Elementary School, Deming

New York
Dr. Ann W. Frantti, Orenda Elementary School, Clifton Park

North Carolina
Mr. Carter Dennis Brown, West Buncombe Elementary School, Asheville

North Dakota
Mr. Billy P. Demaree, Jeannette Myhre Elementary School, Bismarck

Ohio
Mr. E. Kenneth Buckley, Center Street Village Elementary School, Mentor

Oklahoma
Ms. Sherry L. Davis, Purcell Elementary School, Purcell

Oregon
Mr. Robert S. Goerke, Jacksonville Elementary School, Jacksonville

Pennsylvania
Dr. George J. Giovanis, Pine Forge Elementary School, Pine Forge

Rhode Island
Mr. Thomas G. Labonte, Wakefield Elementary School, Wakefield

South Carolina
Mr. E. Dwight Hettinger, Reidville Elementary School, Reidville

South Dakota
Mr. Luther W. Schumacher, C.C. Lee Elementary School, Aberdeen

Tennessee
Mr. John E. Wells, Crestview Elementary School, Covington

Texas
Dr. Josie Rivera, William Wood and Guadalupe Elementary Schools, Victoria

Utah
Mr. Roger G. Bushman, Mount Loafer Elementary School, Salem

Vermont
Ms. Michele Ann Arbour, Waits River Valley School, East Corinth

Virginia
Dr. Ellen S. Schoetzau, Mantua Elementary School, Fairfax

Washington
Mr. Chris E. Borgen, Fidalgo Elementary School, Anacortes

West Virginia
Ms. Darlene S. Dalton, Atenville Elementary School, Harts

Wisconsin
Mr. Lowell E. Holtz, Peshtigo Elementary Learning Center, Peshtigo

Private Schools of Wisconsin
Mr. Dennis L. Vierk, Saint Paul's Lutheran School, Janesville

Wyoming
Mr. Norman S. Carrell, Fort Caspar Academy, Casper

U.S. Department of Defense Dependents Schools
Ms. Sharon L. Freed, Feltwell Elementary School, London, United Kingdom

U.S. Department of Defense Dependents Schools
Dr. Brenda H. Hunter, Marshall Elementary School, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

U.S. Department of State Overseas Schools
Ms. Julie S. Ryan, American School in London, London, United Kingdom

U.S. Department of State Overseas Schools
Ms. Areta A. Williams, American School of Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon