Inspired: Whitney Hood & Belinda Crisman

You have known me my whole life and watched me grow into the person I am today! As my very own elementary school principal, you were kind, fair, and loving. Once elementary school was over, you always kept up with where I was and what I was doing, like you do for all of your students. I remember the encouraging words you gave me when you found out I was going into education. Every time you had the opportunity to stop in and check on me once I had my own classroom, you did. Then, when I decided to take the leap into school leadership, it was your hand again that I knew I could rely on. Through every “no” and “not yet” that I got, it was your encouraging words and spirit that pushed me to keep putting myself out there and moving forward.

Now that my “yes” has finally come to be a principal just like you, it is your number that is the first one I call for guidance and advice, and thankfully you always answer. You taught me how to handle the position with grace and integrity, and you’ve been a living example of a lifelong learner. It is from you that I learned how to build a positive school culture and make a school feel like a family. I am the lucky one who gets to put my gratitude in words for everyone to read, but I know so many other students, parents, teachers, co-workers, and school leaders are all impacted by you!