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Top School Leaders Named Finalists for BCPS Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year
January 21, 2021
Three principals and three assistant principals are finalists for Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) 2021 Caliber Awards Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year. Each year, the awards recognize outstanding school leaders who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. These top leaders are acknowledged by their peers and school communities for the exemplary contributions they have made to the profession.
These extraordinary school leaders will be honored at the 2021 Caliber Awards Ceremony, recognizing the District’s outstanding teachers, principals, assistant principals and school-related employees.
Congratulations to BCPS Principal of the Year finalists:
Dr. Washington Collado has served as principal at James S. Rickards Middle School for the last eight of his 15 years in a principal leadership role. “I am pleased with the success of our students, the commitment of our educators, the learning organization we have built together, and the strong community ties we have fostered at Rickards Middle School,” said Collado. “The collective efforts and teamwork of our teachers and support staff have produced positive results for our students.”
Cadre Director Dr. Jermaine Fleming said, “I’ve come to know Dr. Collado as a mentor, scholar, author and thought leader in educational leadership and policy. He is committed to leading, learning and advocating for his students.”
Heather Hedman-DeVaughn has spent the last 11 years as principal at Manatee Bay Elementary School. She has served in a principal leadership role for 13 years. “My most treasured moments in schools are spent listening to children, hearing their stories, answering their questions, and simply loving them for giving me the best reason to do this job,” said Hedman-DeVaughn.
“Principal Hedman-DeVaughn is highly respected and loved by students, faculty, staff and her school community,” said Cadre Director Sandra Shipman. “Her energy and enthusiasm for the love of her children is admirable and felt the moment you enter the building.”
Christine Henschel has served as principal at South Plantation High School since 2012, where she has created a school community focused on the whole child by incorporating programs to ensure students’ social and emotional well-being. “I have worked tirelessly to provide and encourage an environment for my students and my staff that brings out their best,” said Henschel.
Cadre Director Priscilla Ribeiro said, “Principal Henschel has worked to ensure that her school provides a myriad of opportunities for students to become college and career ready. She recognizes the value of creating a nurturing environment for her students by providing programs that help them develop their social and emotional skills as well as their academic skills.”
Congratulations to the Assistant Principal of the Year finalists:
Kristine Knapp has served as assistant principal at Charles W. Flanagan High School for the last three years. Knapp cheered, “F-A-L-C-O-N-S, we are the Falcons, we are the best,” first as a student in 1996 when the school first opened its doors and today, nearly 25 years later, she continues to chant the same cheer as assistant principal with even greater enthusiasm. “I represent Charles W. Flanagan High School with unprecedented pride and commitment,” said Knapp.
“Mrs. Knapp’s positive attitude and passion for the success of the students, faculty and staff are reflected in the outstanding quality of her leadership,” said Flanagan High Principal Paula Peters. “Her enthusiasm, innovativeness and her dedication to developing programs that support the growth of the Flanagan community are exemplary.”
Louis Kushner has served as assistant principal at New Renaissance Middle School for the last three years. “I want nothing more than for my teachers to feel supported to the best of my ability, and for my students to feel that their education and their life mattered to someone,” said Kushner.
“Mr. Kushner embodies what a highly effective assistant principal should be. His dynamic leadership style is nothing short of excellence while he demonstrates his love for teaching, learning and leadership,” said New Renaissance Middle Principal Janet Morales. “He goes out of his way to ensure that every student and every teacher has the tools they need to be successful.”
Anthony Smith has served as assistant principal at Everglades High School for 15 years. He has worked to identify students in need of intervention and created partnerships with school counselors, social workers, teachers and exceptional education support personnel to ensure that every student can succeed. “As a leader, I find my greatest role is that of mentor,” said Smith.
“I can always count on Mr. Smith making the right decision for our school,” said Everglades High Principal Haleh Darbar. “He displays a consistent commitment to all his students and ensures that all students are treated with the equity and respect that each one deserves.”
The Caliber Awards presenting sponsor is BrightStar Credit Union. Supporting Caliber Awards sponsors include Aetna, Broward Principals’ and Assistants’ Association (BPAA), Broward Teachers Union, Herff Jones, JetBlue, Nova Southeastern University – Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, and Sunshine After School Child Care, Inc.
For more information about the 2021 Caliber Awards, visit browardschools.com/caliber-awards.
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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has nearly 261,500 students and approximately 110,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 92 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 170 different countries and 147 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools.com and download the free BCPS mobile app.