Dr. Miguel Cardona Secretary of Education | Official Website
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has announced the recipients of the 2024 Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership. Nine school leaders from the National Blue Ribbon Schools will be recognized at an awards ceremony on November 7, 2024.
“Schools that raise the bar count on school leaders who raise the bar,” stated Secretary Cardona. “As recipients of the Terrel H. Bell Award, you have driven change, shaped school cultures, and fought for excellence in education. The Bell Award recognizes your relentless dedication and celebrates your impact on your school and your students.”
The award is named after Terrel H. Bell, the second U.S. Secretary of Education, and acknowledges principals committed to using education as a transformative force in people's lives. Principals are nominated by their communities during the final stages of applying for National Blue Ribbon Schools status.
The U.S. Department of Education collaborates with various educational associations to present these awards to principals who guide their schools toward excellence despite challenging circumstances.
The 2024 awardees include:
- Karissa Lang from Crestline Elementary School in Hartselle, Alabama
- Paulette Smith from Madison Elementary School in San Leandro, California
- Belinda Averill from South Lake Middle School in Irvine, California
- Stacey Cohen from Mesa View Elementary School in Grand Junction, Colorado
- Kristyanna Brandriet from James Knoll Elementary School in Ortonville, Minnesota
- Jennifer Cava from Academy for Science and Design Chartered Public School in Nashua, New Hampshire
- Dr. Nico Victorino from PS 150 Elementary School in New York City
- Dr. William Kresse from City Honors School At Fosdick Masten Park in Buffalo, New York
- Dr. Bobby Markle from Caldwell Arts Academy in Tyler, Texas
Further information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program and its awardees can be found online.
