Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas Announces Florida’s 2026 Principal, Assistant Principal and School-Related Employee of the Year

April 28, 2026

FDOE Press Office 850-245-0413 [email protected]

Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas Announces Florida's 2026 Principal, Assistant Principal and School-Related Employee of the Year

Tallahassee, Fla., April 28, 2026 - Today, Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas announced the 2026 Florida Principal of the Year, Florida Assistant Principal of the Year and Florida School-Related Employee of the Year. Brooke Loyed of Patronis Elementary School in Bay County was named the 2026 Florida Principal of the Year; Reshonda Scott of East Ridge High School in Lake County was named the 2026 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year; and Chris Hattaway from Rockledge High School in Brevard County was named the 2026 Florida School-Related Employee of the Year. These individuals were recognized for their exemplary efforts and unwavering commitment to their schools and communities.

"Strong leadership is essential to shaping the success of our students, supporting our educators and strengthening the future of our state," said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. "I applaud these leaders for their commitment to excellence and the lasting impact they are making in their schools and communities."

Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership

Brooke Loyed, Patronis Elementary School, Bay District Schools

As principal of Patronis Elementary School, Brooke Loyed leads strategic efforts in instructional planning and targeted intervention systems to drive student success. Under her leadership, Patronis Elementary has achieved significant academic gains, including an increase in third graders performing on grade level in English Language Arts from 67% to 79% over the past four years. In addition, Ms. Loyed developed the Spring Morning Minutes program to provide targeted instructional support for students in need. As a result of this initiative, Grade 4 outcomes improved significantly, with the percentage of students performing on grade level or above rising from 62% to 76%. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to ensuring every student is supported and positioned for long-term academic success.

The Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership Program was established in 1988 to recognize outstanding principals who have led programs to increase student performance, promote safe learning environments and establish partnerships within their school community. The 2026 Principal of the Year receives a $3,575 prize, and the two state finalists each receive $1,500.

The 2026 Florida Principal of the Year state finalists are:

• Martin Aftuck, Middleburg High School, Clay County District Schools
• Felice Bagley, Dodgertown Elementary School, School District of Indian River County

Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award

Reshonda Scott, East Ridge High School, Lake County Schools

Reshonda Scott has been a dedicated educator in Lake County Schools since 2013. Since 2018, she has served as an assistant principal at East Ridge High School, where she leads key efforts in scheduling and academic intervention systems. In her role, Ms. Scott has driven meaningful improvements in student outcomes, most notably through a comprehensive overhaul of the school's night program. As a result of her leadership in one semester, 60% of enrolled high-school seniors are now on track to complete their courses, which represents a 40% increase. Her work reflects a strong commitment to ensuring all students have a clear pathway to success.

The Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award was established in 1997 to recognize outstanding assistant principals who have utilized teamwork and leadership skills to increase outcomes for students and build partnerships with parents and community members. The 2026 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year receives a $2,500 prize, while the two state assistant principal finalists receive $1,000 each.

The 2026 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year state finalists are:

• Melissa Miller, Frederick Douglass Elementary School, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
• Ryan Garrett, Tuskawilla Middle School, Seminole County Public Schools

School-Related Employee of the Year

Chris Hattaway, Rockledge High School, Brevard Public Schools

Chris Hattaway serves as a School Resource Officer at Rockledge High School, where he is widely recognized for his commitment to student safety, mentorship and community engagement. A proud 2000 graduate of Rockledge High, Officer Hattaway has dedicated his career to serving the same community that helped shape him, bringing a deep sense of purpose and connection to his role. In addition to his community engagement initiatives, Officer Hattaway launched a voluntary student support initiative and introduced K9 Trusty, a therapy dog that provides comfort to students and helps build positive relationships between youth and law enforcement.

The Florida School-Related Employee of the Year Program recognizes educational personnel who have made impactful contributions to their schools and school districts. The 2026 Florida School-Related Employee of the Year receives a $10,000 prize, the four state finalists each receive $6,000 and the district winners each receive $5,000.

The 2026 Florida School-Related Employee of the Year state finalists are:

• Valerie Rivera, A.D. Henderson and FAU High School, Florida Atlantic University
• Julie Vivian, TERRA Environmental Research Institute, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
• Kari Vennard, Hilliard Elementary School, Nassau County School District
• Destiny Suarez, Everglades Elementary School, Okeechobee County Schools

For more information about these awards, visit Principal Achievement Award, Assistant Principal Achievement Award and School-Related Employee Award.