NAESP Announces 2021 National Outstanding Assistant Principals
This year, NAESP recognizes 22 assistant principals—16 who serve at the elementary school level and six from the middle level—from across the country.
Alexandria, VA—April 7, 2021—The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) recognizes 22 assistant principals as members of the 2021 class of National Outstanding Assistant Principals. NAESP is committed to supporting elementary and middle-level assistant principals, and part of that commitment is recognizing assistant principals for their contributions to their school communities.
“The assistant principal role is crucial to the success of the school community,” says NAESP Executive Director L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE. “They have a direct impact on every aspect of school—collaborating with principals on school leadership, supporting faculty and staff, and creating a school climate that puts student learning, health, and safety first. Their passion for education and leadership shines through in everything they do. Congratulations to the 2021 class of National Outstanding Assistant Principals.”
Meet the 2021 Class
This year, we are recognizing these 16 elementary school assistant principals and six middle-level assistant principals from across the country. Recipients have shared best practices that have helped them improve processes at their schools and thrive in their role as assistant principals.
- Aquila Malpass, Rocky Ridge Elementary School, Alabama
- Heather Williams, Warren Dupree Elementary School, Arkansas
- Kyria Wilson, Hot Springs Junior Academy, Arkansas
- Becky McKay, Alicia Sanchez Elementary School, Colorado
- Michelle Chambers, Cherry Creek Elevation School, Colorado
- Katrina Smith, Buchanan Primary School, Georgia
- Adria Whitworth, Jefferson Middle School, Georgia
- Marianne Wheeler, Maui Waena Intermediate School, Hawaii
- Jessica Dyer, Ridge View Community School, Maine
- Sonia Hurd, Clemens Crossing Elementary School, Maryland
- Abigail Dressler, Luther Conant School, Massachusetts
- Jack Boerman, Gull Lake Middle School, Michigan
- Keisha Davis, Birch Grove Elementary School for the Arts, Minnesota
- Kristal Pollard, Mannsdale Elementary School, Mississippi
- Kathleen Murphy, Clark-Wilkins Elementary School, New Hampshire
- Hilda de Leon, Hodge Road Spanish Language Dual Immersion Magnet Elementary School, North Carolina
- Daniel Smith, Kiski Area Upper Elementary School, Pennsylvania
- Christi Furrow, Goose Creek Elementary School, South Carolina
- Jamelie Johns, Nolan Elementary School, Tennessee,
- Jason Morgan, Lumberton Intermediate School, Texas
- Diana Brown, Seatack Achievable Dream Academy, Virginia
- Stacey Sylvester, Skyview Elementary School, West Virginia
Nominated by peers in their states, recipients of this award are practicing assistant principals with at least two years’ experience in the role who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and have set high standards for students, colleagues, parents and the community. All National Outstanding Assistant Principals are members of NAESP at the time of their nomination.
This recognition comes as part of the National Assistant Principals Week, from April 5-9, 2021.
