Wide smiles and tributes to the efforts of their school teams were the remarks that echoed from St. Lucie West Centennial High School Principal Andrea Popwell and Dan McCarty Middle School Assistant Principal Samantha Piscopo as they were surprised with the news that they are, respectively, this year’s Outstanding Principal and Assistant Principal for St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS).
“Outstanding school leaders set the pace for positive student achievement,” said Superintendent E. Wayne Gent. “Both administrators have a proven track record for supporting collaborative school cultures and sustaining positive academic growth for their students.”
Popwell and Piscopo are both veteran educators in St. Lucie Public Schools and have been recognized for outstanding achievement and service throughout their careers. They are also no strangers to professional learning as they have a passion for being on the forefront of the latest educational research and best practices.
Both nominations from St. Lucie Public Schools will be shared with the Florida Department of Education’s statewide pool of nominees. State winners will be announced later this academic year.
The Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership was established in 1988 to recognize Florida principals for their contributions to their schools and communities. The Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award was established in 1997 to honor assistant principals that have utilized teamwork and leadership to increase student achievement and greatly improved school environments.
