Local principal receives national honor

By Staff
John Hicks FCT Staff Writer
A Russellville educator has been recognized as a pacesetter in her field by the U. S. Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
On Friday, Principal Ramona Robinson of West Elementary learned that she will represent Alabama in the 2006 National Distinguished Principals Program.
The program, established in 1984, is an annual event to honor exemplary elementary and middle school principals who set the pace, character and quality of the education children receive during their early school years.
The awards ceremonies take place in Washington, D.C., each fall. The two-day event highlights the fundamental importance of the school principal in achieving educational excellence for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students. The celebration culminates in a formal awards banquet.
Robinson added that she hopes the award will highlight the positive aspects of living in a small-town community, and showcase Russellville and its city school system.
One principal is chosen annually from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia for the program. Public school principals are nominated by peers in their home states.
The nomination is confirmed by a group of educators who interview the nominee's students, students' parents, teachers, staff, central office personnel, and business and community leaders.
Robinson began her career as a kindergarten teacher at College Avenue School. She taught language arts and science at Russellville Jr. High and Russellville Middle School. Robinson served one year as assistant principal at West Elementary before becoming principal in 1997.
Nominees must meet all criteria for selection as a National Distinguished Principal.
The selected principal: