Three Alabama Principals Named Finalists for Alabama’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal
Montgomery, Alabama – The Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA) and Renaissance Learning are proud to announce that three Alabama principals have been chosen as finalists for Alabama’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal.
The finalists are Dr. Stan Stokley, principal of Saraland Elementary School in Saraland City Schools; Mrs. Dana Rhinehart, principal of Creekside Elementary School in Limestone County Schools, and Dr. Kara Scholl, principal of South Shades Crest Elementary School in Hoover City Schools.
A panel of judges will conduct a school visit with each finalist. Interviews with each finalist, teachers, parents, and community members are part of the overall judging process. After all site visits have concluded, the judges will meet to select Alabama’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal. A winner will be announced in early spring 2025.
"These three outstanding principals exemplify the dedication, innovation, and leadership that define Alabama’s top educators. Their unwavering commitment to student success and school excellence is inspiring. We are proud to have them represent Alabama in this prestigious recognition program."
The Alabama National Distinguished Principal program is the state-level recognition program of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Distinguished Principal program. The Alabama program is sponsored by AAESA and Renaissance Learning.
About the NAESP National Distinguished Principal Award: Each year, NDPs represent Pre-K through grade 8 public schools from across the country as well as principals in U.S. private schools and those from the United States Department of Defense Office of Educational Activity and the United States Department of State Office of Overseas Schools. Public school elementary and middle-level principals are nominated by peers in their state, and final selections are made by committees appointed by each of NAESP’s state affiliate offices. Honorees from private schools and overseas schools are selected by special committees.
About AAESA: The Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators is an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). AAESA’s mission is to serve as an advocate for children while striving to enhance effectiveness in the supervision and administration of elementary and middle schools.
About Renaissance Learning: Renaissance Learning is a global leader in assessment, reading, math, and early literacy solutions for Pre-K-12 schools and districts. Renaissance Learning is the sponsor of Alabama’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal program.
