Ms. Michelle Moore-Robinson of Kinser Elementary School in Japan has been selected as the 2017 DoDEA Elementary Principal of the Year.
"Ms. Moore-Robinson is a dynamic principal who is a vital part of her local community," said DoDEA's Director, Thomas Brady. "Through her commitment and determination, she built a positive school culture where parents and the community feel informed and included. To engage with the parents, she has hosted teas with principal, 'chat and chew' lunches, and a parent university. Michelle also obtains student feedback by hosting regular Circle of Communication lunches."
Ms. Moore-Robinson earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. She also received her Master's Degree in Education Administration from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.
Ms. Sharon O'Donnell, principal of Ramstein High School in Europe, the largest high school in DoDEA with more than 1,000 students, has been selected as the 2017 DoDEA Secondary Principal of the Year.
"Ms. O'Donnell has created a supportive space for students, whose parents are frequently deployed to the Middle East and Baltic regions," said Mr. Brady. "Sharon makes sure all new teachers and students receive a sponsor to help them adjust. Her school also implemented an "Adopt a Student" mentoring program, in which teachers adopt students with academic issues and meet twice daily to assist with academic understanding and organizational skills development."
Ms. O'Donnell earned her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree in Education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. She also has an administrative certification from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA.
Americas Elementary
Principal of the Year
Ms. Vicki Gilmer, Principal
Fort Rucker Elementary School
Fort Rucker, Alabama
Pacific Secondary
Principal of the Year
Dr. Tonya Laliberte, Principal
Yokota Middle School
Honshu, Japan
Europe Elementary
Principal of the Year
Mr. Joe Lovett, Principal
Vogelweh Elementary School
Kaiserslautern, Germany