Golden State Today

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has extended his congratulations to two California school principals who have been honored with the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership for 2024. Principal Paulette Smith of Madison Elementary School in the San Leandro Unified School District and Principal Belinda Averill of South Lake Middle School in the Irvine Unified School District were named as recipients by United States Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona. They are among nine school leaders nationwide selected from the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools.

The principals will be recognized at the National Blue Ribbon Schools awards ceremony on November 7, 2024. "It is my pleasure to honor and recognize Principal Smith and Principal Averill as exemplary leaders who provide outstanding opportunities to students, shape positive communities, and support teachers to achieve excellence," stated Thurmond. He emphasized that students in these environments are encouraged to thrive and are motivated to achieve their best.

The Terrel H. Bell Award, named after the second U.S. Secretary of Education, honors school leaders committed to education as a transformative force in people's lives. The award is part of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, with nominations made by school communities during the final stages of the application process.

The U.S. Department of Education collaborates with several educational associations to present this award, recognizing principals for their crucial role in guiding schools and students toward excellence under often challenging circumstances.

For more information about the Blue Ribbon Schools Program and the Terrel H. Bell awardees, visit the National Blue Ribbon Schools website.