Oct. 19, 2021
Suzanne Hester has been named the district’s 2022 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership recipient and Dawn Lewis the 2022 Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award recipient.
These two school leaders have consistently shown superior skills in their work with students, staff and their school community to help create a positive culture in their schools. They were notified via surprised visits Monday by members from the district's Leadership Team.
Ms. Hester is the principal at Skyview Elementary School. She began her employment in Pinellas County Schools in 2002. She served as a classroom teacher (2002-2004); as a Teacher on Special Assignment (2004-2007); as an Assistant Principal at Gulfport Elementary School (2007-2012); and as Principal at Skyview Elementary School (2012 to present).
Ms. Hester earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Texas and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the Point Loma Nazarene University.
Ms. Lewis is the Assistant Principal at Bay Point Elementary School. She began her employment in Pinellas County Schools in 2000. She served as a classroom teacher at Starkey Elementary School (2000-2002 and 2007-2013); as an Administrative Intern at Leila Davis Elementary School (2013-2014); as an Assistant Principal at Oakhurst Elementary School (2014-2016); at Campbell Park Elementary School (2016-2018). Ms. Lewis has been at Bay Point Elementary School since 2018.
Ms. Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from St. Petersburg College and her master’s degree in Reading Education and Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida.
The Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership was established in 1988 to recognize exemplary principals for their contributions to their schools and communities. The program honors principals who have spearheaded initiatives to increase student performance and promote safe learning environments, often through establishing partnerships with parents and community members.
Principal Suzanne Hester, second from the left
Assistant Principal Dawn Lewis, second from the left
