The Excellence in Education Awards was an event held on February 16, 2022 at Manatee Technical College in Bradenton to celebrate educators and support staff, as well as the Outstanding Principal and Assistant Principal Achievement recipients.
Principal Laura Campbell of Tara Elementary (pictured above - left) and Assistant Principal Irene Nikitopoulos (pictured above - right) of Lincoln Memorial Middle were announced as the winners in December.
Both were called up to the stage during the Excellence in Education Awards to accept an award from Superintendent Cynthia Saunders.
Principal Campbell has led Tara Elementary School since 2017. She formerly served as an assistant principal of Freedom and Bayshore Elementary Schools, as well as a guidance counselor at Bayshore Elementary. She has been with the school district since 2003.
Irene Nikitopoulos became assistant principal of Lincoln Memorial Middle School in June 2021. Previously, she served as the assistant principal of Johnson K-8, a district curriculum specialist, a dean at Manatee High School and as a teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School. She has worked for the school district since 2006.
The Principal and Assistant Principal Achievement Awards for Outstanding Leadership recognize exemplary school administrators for their contributions to their schools and communities, according to the Florida Department of Education.
The program honors leaders who have spearheaded initiatives to increase student performance, promote safe learning environments and establish partnerships with parents and community members.