Recognition of Service: Green Dot Celebrates National Principals Month
Since the founding of our first school over 20 years ago, our principals have served as the driving force behind our mission to help transform public education. Today they now lead 26 schools across our networks in Los Angeles, Memphis, and Beaumont, TX. And, over the past year, our school leaders have tenaciously undertaken the challenge to reopen our schools safely for in-person instruction. And for that, both our networks and families are grateful.
This October we are joining thousands of educators across the nation in celebrating National Principals Month—a moment where we can reflect on the impact that principals have had on their schools and communities. These leaders drive our mission, strengthen our schools, and inspire our students and educators to be their best selves. Join us in honoring their dedication and thanking them for all that they do to support our school communities.
"At Ánimo Mae Jemison, we are a constellation of learners working to forge an equitable future for our school and community. Together, we imagine, we explore, we persist, we challenge, and we support each other to set our expectations in the sky."
Blain Watson
" Locke helps students cultivate skills and qualities that prepare them for success in college, leadership, and life."
Brian Thomas-Reed
"At Ánimo Pat Brown Charter High School, we are committed to changing the landscape of public education so that every child can be successful in college, leadership, and life."
"There is still so much uncertainty in this world, and that causes worry and fear, but despite all the uncertainty, there is one thing I’ve never been more certain of: you are the change, the good and the helpers that this world needs."
Cen'cere Cooks
"At Ánimo City of Champions, every student deserves a champion."
Chaleese Norman
"Student success isn’t a destination, it’s a journey that begins as soon as a student walks through the doors of Ánimo Compton."
Christina Austin
"I have the honor of being the Principal at a school that I love. We take pride in being a school where every student can find an avenue for success and in being a community where everyone in the Bulldog family strives to find the best in themselves and others."
Cynthia Ybarra
"Being from East LA and growing up in that same neighborhood I want to provide students with opportunities that I didn’t have access to."
Edgar Flota
"At Ánimo Jefferson Charter Middle School we provide an exceptional education to all students to prepare them for college, leadership, and life."
Ifeoluwa Oyedele
"At Ánimo Watts College Preparatory Academy, our students define success. We know that by setting high standards, and providing access to innovative educational opportunities, our students will outperform expectations."
Jasmia Newman
"At Ánimo Legacy Charter Middle School, our students define success and demonstrate a passion for excellence. We navigate strategies to student success by partnering with parents and communities to prepare students for high school, college, leadership, and life."
Josh Hartford
"I’m excited to be a part of a seven-year sixth through twelfth-grade pathway to college for the families in the Florence-Firestone community."
Julia Rich
"I am thrilled to be joining this community and I look forward to providing all students with high-quality learning experiences."
Kristin Botello
"Ánimo Jackie Robinson isn’t just another high school. It’s a tight-knit community with a college-going culture and high-quality instruction. It’s a launchpad for success where students have access to individualized academic support."
La Shawn Allen
"Anybody that knows me as a leader understands that I don't function or think in a silo. I’m always thinking about how we can connect as a village and a learning community. It’s an intersection of both academics and culture on our campus."
Lameika Pegues
"My goal is for us to be one of the top high schools, not only in Tennessee, but nationwide. That's what we're working towards, because these kids put in the work and they are so important to us."
Lemuel "Mack" Mossett
"Ánimo Westside Charter Middle School is committed to the education, development, and socioeconomic success of students who historically have been unlikely to attend and excel at an institution of higher learning."
Marian Williams
"I am thrilled to serve our community in a greater capacity and to continue the great work of all of the past and present teachers and leaders here at Kirby."
Marysa Utley
"Here at Wooddale Middle, we consider ourselves One Team with One Goal. That Goal is ensuring that every student, parent, community member, and all staff feel valued and supported whenever they walk into our building."
Nyesha Philpot
"Ánimo South Los Angeles Charter is not just a school, it’s a learning community. We value and celebrate diversity, as well as the unique talents of each and every student."
Peggy Gutierrez
"When you join the Locke Family, you become part of a deep-seeded tradition. Like we say--once a Saint, always a Saint."
Robert Pambello
"Our student success is based on cultivating the whole child. We prioritize safe learning environments, rigorous coursework, college tours, and academic guidance for all of our students."
Ryan McDonnell
"Our goal is for every graduate to leave ARB with a clear plan for their future education and employment. Let’s go Stallions!"
Sharon Gorsich
"A choice for Ánimo Venice is a choice for a future that matches the hopes of every parent and the interests and potential of every child."
Teddrick Estes
"It is an honor and a pleasure to not only serve as the Principal of Hillcrest High School, but to return the neighborhood that raised me and made me the man I am today."
Tiana Diggs
"We pride ourselves on building a culture and environment that embodies and symbolizes the feeling of “family” and believe that “greatness” lives within the AJBT walls."