ALEXANDRIA, VA–October 8, 2013–Outstanding elementary and middle school principals from across the nation and abroad have been named 2013 National Distinguished Principals by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). They will be honored October 25 at an awards banquet in Washington, D.C., which has been generously funded by VALIC for nearly 25 years. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will deliver the opening address, honoring principals during National Principals Month.
Established in 1984, the two-day NDP program, which will be held at the Capital Hilton Hotel, recognizes public and private school principals who make superior contributions to their schools and communities. The principals will also have the opportunity to share best practices. The 61 principal honorees are selected by NAESP state affiliates and by committees representing private and overseas schools.
NAESP Executive Director Gail Connelly commended the honorees for being exemplars of successful school leadership. “Only a principal can move a school from good to great, simultaneously championing children and uplifting the communities they serve,” she said. “We congratulate this class of NDPs for their steadfast dedication to educating our nation’s children to their fullest potential.”
“VALIC is proud to continue its support as sole sponsor of the National Distinguished Principal’s Award Program,” said Bruce Abrams, President of VALIC. “This program allows us to recognize the important role of principals on the education and development of our nation’s children, our future leaders. On behalf of VALIC, I congratulate all 61 of this year’s National Distinguished Principals and extend my deepest thanks for all that they do.”
It is particularly fitting to acknowledge the work of principals in October because it marks National Principals Month, which was established to recognize and honor the contributions of school principals and assistant principals toward the success of the nation’s students, and encourage awareness of their significance.
NOTE: A list of the 2013 NDPs and their biographical information can be accessed at www.naesp.org/ndp.
