FARMINGTON – Admitting it felt “a little bit strange” to be the subject of an assembly, rather than organizing one, Principal Tracy Williams was named the Maine’s National Distinguished Principal of the Year for 2015 in front of the applause of the staff and students of W.G. Mallett School Tuesday morning.
The Maine Principals’ Association selects one administrator each year for recognition, in the categories of high school principal, middle school principal, elementary school principal and assistant principal. Recipients are honored at an annual awards banquet during MPA’s Spring Conference in April, and travel to Washington, D.C. along with other states’ top administrators.
MPA Executive Director Richard Durost told the students at the assembly that Williams was being recognized for being the “very best in the state of Maine.” In a statement released by the MPA, Durost said that Williams received the award for being a “strong elementary educational leader,” a “role model in the development of positive school culture” and for “building student-centered programs.” The statement also noted Williams’ contributions to the creation of a professional development system for staff at her school and district.
Williams, who learned of the award last Thursday, brought her mother to the assembly without telling her the reason why. She told students it was to make up for the fact that she had once performed in a show and received the grand prize without telling her parents.
“This is the best job that anyone could ever have,” Williams said. “I’m very lucky to do something I love to do.”
Williams has served as the Mallett School principal since 2005. Prior to that, she was a reading recovery teacher leader and trainer at the University of Maine, a classroom teacher at Phillips Elementary School from 1985 to 1996, a speech therapist for MSAD 58 from 1983 to 1985, and a speech clinician in the Litchfield and Sabattus Schools from 1982-1983.
She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Maine at Farmington in 1982, her Masters in Individualized Literacy and Staff Development from the University of Maine in 1992, and completed her C.A.S. in Literacy at the University of Maine in 2000.
Superintendent Thomas Ward congratulated students and staff for contributing to Williams’ success, a sentiment that Williams shared. She said that she was proud of the staff, and felt guilty receiving the award, knowing how many people worked hard with little recognition to make the school run well.
Ward presented Williams with a plant from her staff, while Assistant Superintendent Leanne Condon gave her a sticker.
Congratulations Tracy.
Congratulations, Tracy! You’ve spent countless hours giving and sharing your talents with others…….How wonderful to see that you have now received this well-deserved recognition….recognition that Mallett students and staff can share in and feel proud of!!
Congratulations, Tracy!! You certainly deserve this recognition!!!
We are so fortunate to have Mrs. Williams in our community! Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and leadership!
Congratulations Tracy. What a wonderful accomplishment. How proud the entire Mallett community must be.
A well earned congratulations to Mrs Williams. You are an asset to your students, staff, district and community. Great job, thank you for all that you do.
Congratulations Tracy! You’re not afraid to be awesome!
We are all so very proud of you, Tracy! Thank you for all that you do and are!!
Congratulations, Tracy!
How wonderful to be recognized for such competent work. Enjoy it!
Congrats. to you Mrs.Williams and to your wonderful school. So proud of all of you.
Karen and I are extremely happy for you.
You exemplify the highest standards of our profession. Proud to have been your colleagues.
Congratulations, Tracy! You are truly deserving of this honor. So proud to have a member of our community win this prestigious recognition!
I am so proud to have taught under such a special educator. Tracy you have deserved this recognition for many years. Congratulations!
Congratulations, Tracy! I am so glad to have had a chance to work with you. You definitely are one of the best! Good to see that your work and your caring ways have not gone unnoticed. Enjoy your trip!
That’s amazing! Congratulations Tracy!
A wonderful honor, well deserved. Thank you Tracy for all your dedication and hard work!
Congratulations Tracy! You do a lot for our kids to make a healthy community. Well earned recognition for an incredible school administrator!
Congratulations Tracy for all you have accomplished and the amazing recognition!
Congratulations, Tracy! Recognition that is very well deserved!
Tracy – everything everyone above said! Not surprising at all but such fantastic news!
Congratulations, Mrs. Williams! The Bell family is proud of you and proud that our children are in your school. Thank you for all you do for the Mallett School! You’re an amazing person!
Congratulations Tracy! It’s no surprise that you have gone on to do great things! We Teacher Leaders are so proud of you! Janelle