By Emily Williams
Crestline Elementary principal Laurie King was recognized as the 2015 National Distinguished Principal for the state of Alabama.
“It’s humbling,” said King. “I’ve been in this business for over 30 years and it’s rare that we get recognized in this capacity.”
This acknowledgment recognizes principals who “set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for the students, families, and staffs in their learning communities.”
After being nominated by her peers, King’s application was selected by the review committee for a sight visit. During this visit community members, faculty and staff, students, parents, and central office staff participated in interviews with committee members.
Following this visit, the committee agreed that King’s leadership best exemplified the traits of a highly effective elementary school principal.
After accepting the award, King returned to the school to find that the staff and students prepared a school-wide celebration in her honor.
King said that Crestline has a tradition for their 6th graders called the Cougar Walk. All of the students line the walls of the hallways and the graduating class runs through the middle, saying goodbye to their classmates before they leave.
“Well, they set up a Cougar Walk for me,” said King.
When she returned to her school after accepting her award, King said that the students and staff prepared a surprise celebration in her honor.
“I could tell it was really about us as a school,” she said.
King has been a member of the Crestline staff for 30 years, serving as Reading Coach, Special Education teacher and Assistant Principal before taking on the role of Principal 5 years ago.
