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Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. Announces Winners and Finalists for Florida’s 2024 Principal, Assistant Principal and School-Related Employee of the Year

April 22, 2024

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Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. Announces Winners and Finalists for Florida’s 2024 Principal, Assistant Principal and School-Related Employee of the Year

Tallahassee, Fla., April 22, 2024 – Today, Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., announced the 2024 Florida Principal of the Year, Florida Assistant Principal of the Year, and Florida School-Related Employee of the Year. Dr. Michael George of Atlantic Coast High School in Duval County was named the 2024 Florida Principal of the Year; John Chaires with Palatka Junior-Senior High School in Putnam County was named the 2024 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year; and Edward Lanza from Saddlewood Elementary School in Marion County was named the 2024 Florida School-Related Employee of the Year. These individuals were recognized for their extraordinary efforts and dedicated commitment to their school and community, making them a perfect example of Florida’s excellence in education.

“School leadership plays a pivotal role in the success and future of our students, teachers and state,” said Commissioner Diaz. “I commend these individuals for their exemplary contributions and dedication to enriching their schools and community.”

Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership

Dr. Michael George, Atlantic Coast High School, Duval County Public Schools

Dr. George has been an educator for 20 years. He has accomplished many things throughout his educational career, including founding a first-in-the state medical pathway partnership with the Mayo Clinic that created two new career and technical education programs; spearheading partnership with the University of North Florida with the goal of inspiring students to pursue a career in education; launching an in-school program named the “We Lead” program that offers monthly sessions for teachers seeking leadership; and bringing Atlantic Coast High School to a record 95% student graduation rate.

Pictured l-r: FDOE K-12 Chancellor Dr. Paul Burns, 2024 Principal of the Year Dr. Michael George

Congratulations also to this year’s Principal of the Year finalists:

  • Marlene Straughan, Mount Dora High School, Lake County Schools
  • Kirk Hutchinson, Venice Elementary School, Sarasota County Schools

The Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership Program was established in 1988 to recognize outstanding principals who have headed programs to increase student performance, promote safe learning and establish partnerships within their school and community. The 2024 Principal of the Year receives a $3,500 prize, while the two finalists each receive $1,500.

Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award

John Chaires, Palatka Junior-Senior High School, Putnam County School District

John Chaires is an essential part of Palatka Junior-Senior High School’s leadership and has made incredible contributions to both his school and community. He assisted in the growth and establishment of many programs on his school’s campus, including the Early College Program and Panther Program, along with courses that allow students to study within seven career and technical education programs and two higher educational pathways. These programs have enabled countless students at Palatka Junior-Senior High School to accomplish significant academic achievements.

Pictured l-r: Putnam County Schools Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency, 2024 Assistant Principal of the Year John Chaires, FDOE K-12 Chancellor Dr. Paul Burns

Congratulations also to this year’s Assistant Principal of the Year finalists:

  • Kristin Stevens, East Lee County High School, Lee County School District
  • Holli Winter, Fruit Cove Middle School, St. Johns County School District

The Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award was established in 1997 to recognize outstanding assistant principals who have demonstrated leadership skills that contribute to increasing student performance, promoting safe learning environments and establishing partnerships within their school and community. The 2024 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year receives a $2,500 prize, while the two state assistant principal finalists receive $1,000 each.

School-Related Employee of the Year

Edward Lanza, Saddlewood Elementary School, Marion County Public Schools

Edward Lanza is a retired army veteran, former deputy chief for the New York Volunteer Fire Department and a cherished member of Saddlewood Elementary School. For over seven years, he has served in the general education classroom providing exceptional student education support and services. Mr. Lanza also helps in reading and math classrooms and he is passionate about helping learners of all needs.

Congratulations also to this year’s School-Related Employee of the Year finalists:

  • Terry Bagby, After-School Program Coordinator at Quest Elementary School, Brevard Public Schools
  • James Sorrentino, Campus Advisor/Security Officer at Buddy Taylor Elementary School, Flagler Schools
  • Jennifer Fries, Student Data Specialist at A.D. Henderson University School & FAU High School, Florida Atlantic University
  • Doris Cabrera-Jerez, School Administrative Assistant at Wellington Elementary School, The School District of Palm Beach County

The Florida School-Related Employee of the Year Program recognizes educational personnel who have made impactful contributions to their schools and school district. The 2024 Florida School-Related Employee of the Year receives a $10,000 prize, while the four state finalists each receive $6,250 each and the district winners each receive $4,855.

For more information about these awards, visit Principal Achievement Award, Assistant Principal Achievement Award and School-Related Employee Award.

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