Florida Department of Education Announces Finalists for Florida Principal of the Year

The Florida Department of Education named its three finalists for Florida’s 2016 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership (Principal of the Year) and the Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award (Assistant Principal of the Year).

According to the department, the annual awards recognize principals and assistant principals for their "exceptional contributions to their schools and communities."

This year, the finalists for Principal of the Year are:

Tamie Stewart, Parkside Elementary School, Collier County

Rhonda Hunt, Eustis Heights Elementary School, Lake County

Steven Royce, Tara Elementary School, Manatee County

The finalists for Assistant Principal of the Year are:

Anne Bieber, Vero Beach High School, Indian River County

Chad Frazier, Eustis Heights Elementary School, Lake County

Kahlil Ortiz, Dommerich Elementary School, Orange County

“Principals and assistant principals set the tone for their schools, and I am pleased to acknowledge these finalists who embody qualities that inspire educators and students to work hard and do their best,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Our school leaders deserve to be recognized for their commitment to Florida’s students, and I look forward to announcing the winners at the Commissioner’s Summit for Principals.”