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# U.S. Secretary of Education Announces Recipients of the 2023 Terrel H. Bell Awards for Outstanding School Leadership 

# U.S. Secretary of Education Announces Recipients of the 2023 Terrel H. Bell Awards for Outstanding School Leadership 

October 16, 2023

**Contact:  **press@ed.gov

                                    -        
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona today  announced the recipients of the Terrel H. Bell  Award for Outstanding School Leadership for 2023. All nine school  leaders from the 2023 cohort of National Blue  Ribbon Schools will be honored during the National Blue Ribbon  Schools awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.

“Great principals play a pivotal role in building  thriving school communities and empowering teachers to meet the diverse needs  of every student,” stated U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “As  recipients of the Terrel H. Bell Award, you have served as catalysts, fostering  positive school cultures, and finding new ways to engage students, parents,  families, educators, and staff. You continue to Raise the Bar as school  leaders, and your dedication inspires others to bring their best each day. The  prestigious Bell Award is our way of recognizing and celebrating your hard work  and indispensable leadership.”

Named for the second U. S. Secretary of Education, Terrel  H. Bell, the Bell Award honors school leaders who are committed to education as a powerful and liberating force in people’s lives. The award is part of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Principals are nominated by their school communities during the final stages of the National Blue Ribbon Schools  application process.

The U.S. Department of Education, together with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the Association for Middle Level Education, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, present the Bell Awards to principals of National Blue Ribbon  Schools for their outstanding work and the vital role they play in guiding  their students and schools to excellence, frequently under challenging circumstances.

The 2023 recipients are:

**STATE-CITY**

**HONOREE**

**SCHOOL**

**California - Hacienda Heights**

Dr. Danielle M. Kenfield

Glen A. Wilson    High School

**California - Hacienda Heights**

Dr. Paulina Cho

Wedgeworth Elementary School

**Florida - Hollywood**

Ms. Johna Rae Giordano

HollywoodAcad emy of Arts & Science

**Illinois -****South Beloit**

Mr. Kevin Finnegan

Prairie Hill Elementary School

**Kentucky - Louisville**

Ms. Amy B. Sample

Saint Xavier High School

**Pennsylvania -****Exton**

Sister Teresa Ballisty, IHM

Saints Philip      and James Elementary School

**Texas-****Houston**

Mr. Frank Ward,    Jr.

Nitsch    Elementary School

**Wisconsin -****Brookfield**

Mr. Andrew T. Farley

Brookfield East    High School

**Wyoming -****Casper**

Mrs. Anna Lavin

Sagewood Elementary School

Visit the website to learn more about the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program and the Terrel H. Bell Awardees.
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