Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Rep. Daniel Webster

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Patty Harrelson on receiving the 2011 2012 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership. I am honored to have the opportunity to offer my sincere appreciation for the hard work and dedication that went into this well-deserved award.

At Florida's Commissioner's Summit for Principals, Florida Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson awarded Ms. Harrelson the award, naming Ms. Harrelson the state's top principal for her leadership at Rosemont Elementary School. Under Ms. Harrelson's guidance and direction, the Orange County school improved its school accountability grade from a ``D'' to an ``A'' in a single year.

Taking on the responsibility of principal in 2010, Ms. Harrelson instituted reforms on every level, from curtailing truancy to bringing cutting edge technology into the classrooms. Because of her belief in Rosemont's students and her confidence in their ability to learn and meet academic standards, Ms. Harrelson worked tirelessly to raise expectations and reward achievement publicly.

Her spirit of dedication and commitment to her students is an example of the life-changing impact a dedicated educator can have on a community and on the individual lives of students. She is a shining example of the fruits of selflessness demonstrated by our teachers and administrators who devote themselves to Florida's future by investing in Florida's children.

On behalf of the citizens of Central Florida, I congratulate and applaud Ms. Harrelson for her hard work, dedication, and leadership. She is most deserving of the 2011 2012 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership. May her investment in Florida's students and Florida's future inspire others to follow in her footsteps.