PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Seven Philadelphia school principals are being recognized as the best of the best.
The annual awards, presented by the Lindback Foundation, recognized the efforts of seven Philly principals who led their school communities through civil unrest and a global pandemic.
Because of COVID-19, a ceremony was held online honoring these principals:
- Kareem Thomas of Disston Elementary School
- Colleen Bowen of Barton Elementary School
- Pauline Cheung of Francis Scott Key Elementary School
- Luke Hostetter of Baldi Middle School
- Brian Johnson of Bartram High School
- Shavonne McMillan of Vaux Big Picture High School
- Lisa Mesi of Philadelphia High School for Girls
Thomas said his theme for this school year based on the words of the late Congressman John Lewis.
“This year at Disston, this is the year of ‘good trouble.’ And we have been deliberately finding ways to have tough conversations,” Thomas said.
Cheung said she thought about how she admired previous winners.
“Being a Lindback award winner means my leadership and commitment has made a positive impact on the school’s culture and in the community,” she said.
Hostetter said he was being honored for what was a team effort.
“No matter who you are at Baldi, we help you get prepared for high school and beyond,” he said.
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It was the second Lindback honor for McMillan.
“I remember being a Lindback Distinguished Teacher winner and asking myself the question, ‘Why me?’” McMillan said.
“After being nominated this year I asked a similar question. Today my response is, ‘Why not me?’”
Superintendent William Hite acknowledged that this year’s honorees had to go above and beyond.
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“We know that being a principal under normal circumstances is difficult, but during a pandemic is even more daunting,” Hite said.
“Digital learning would not have been possible without you. You jumped into action and stepped up to serve your community with courage, innovation and outstanding leadership.”
The awards come with a $20,000 prize to be used at each school.
The Lindback Foundation was established from the trust of Christian R. Lindback, the former president of Abbotts Dairies. The foundation has honored educators with its annual awards since 1961.