2023 Outstanding Principal, Finalists, and School Recipients

The Outstanding Principals Recognized For 2023

The Outstanding Principal Award recognizes an extraordinary principal who demonstrates superior leadership qualities and creates an exceptional educational environment. The recipient of this award is an innovative and highly effective administrator. They are a committed, knowledgeable educator whose vision inspires and guides staff, students, and the community to help lead their school to excellence. Any FCPS employee or community member may nominate principals with at least three full years of experience for this award

2023 Outstanding Principal 

cage-aprilApril Cage

Garfield Elementary School, Region 3

April is a champion for all students and takes pride in advocating for the needs of her school. Transitioning to Garfield a few months into the pandemic, she quickly became a voice of strength and support for the community. She collaborated with staff to assess their needs and developed a plan to strengthen collaborative learning teams. This established a high level of trust while increasing teacher efficacy and growing teacher leaders. By investing in the staff, teacher retention is almost 100%, directly impacting student/teacher relationships and student performance. Teachers believe they can do the work, and families trust them to do so. Because her passion is about serving others, she will always be on the right side of this work.

2023 Outstanding Principal Finalist

aiello-sarahSarah C. Aiello

Hutchison Elementary School, Region 1

Sarah is a natural and respected leader whose door is always open. She is an advocate for all and has built strong relationships with staff, students, and families. Sarah has created partnerships with several community organizations that play key roles in the Hutchison Elementary School community. She is solution-focused and determines her school’s needs with data and feedback from all parties. Sarah has built a culture of data-driven instruction where the needs of students are the priority. This has resulted in academic and social-emotional gains for all students. Her energy and enthusiasm help set the tone at Hutchinson Elementary and are contagious among staff, students, and community members.

2023 Outstanding Principal Finalist

prindle-sharynSharyn Prindle

Wakefield Forest Elementary School, Region 5

Families and staff at Wakefield Forest are well-aware that building relationships and fostering a culture of belonging is of critical importance to Sharyn. Having led within the Wakefield Forest community since 2007, Sharyn has built lasting connections and is responsive to the diverse needs of students, staff, and current and former families. Since becoming the school's principal in 2016, she has prioritized social-emotional learning and mindfulness and fostered curiosity through STEAM education, 5th and 6th-grade electives, and Innovation Hour (a weekly opportunity for student exploration). She is the ultimate problem solver, using data and feedback to drive decisions. Her biggest joy comes from seeing the successes of her students.

2023 Outstanding Principal Finalist

Ellen T. ReillyEllen T. Reilly

McLean High School, Region 2

"Committed: loyal and willing to give your time and energy to something you believe in." This definition is the epitome of Ellen's leadership at McLean High School. She is a constant voice and advocate for the students and staff of McLean. She upholds the highest principles of professionalism and has established a school culture that puts students first. One McLean student stated, “Few people in this world care as deeply about their students as Dr. Reilly does. Aside from supporting MHS sports and the arts, Dr. Reilly never fails to seek solutions to improve MacLean’s academic and social environment.” Ask anyone in the community, and they will share that Ellen’s leadership has cultivated an environment of trust, collaboration, creativity, and innovation.

2023 Outstanding Principal Finalist

Pamela M. SimpkinsPamela M. Simpkins

Silverbrook Elementary School, Region 4

“Every Child, Every Day” is the theme at Silverbrook Elementary School, where Pamela serves as principal. She begins each day greeting students at the door with a smile, hug, fist bump, or high five. She is a relentless advocate for children and partners with teachers to ensure high-quality instruction occurs daily. She is a visionary who seizes every moment to serve students, staff, and families. As a pandemic principal, Pamela quickly established virtual relationships. She has been instrumental in establishing outdoor classrooms, Best Buddies, and Watch DOGS, and making connections within the community. Pamela’s work ethic creates a Silverbrook family of lifelong learners where all Seahawks soar to their highest potential!

Outstanding Principal Finalists Slideshow

2023 Outstanding New Principal - School Recipients

  • Aldrin Elementary School
    • Shane Wolfe
  • Braddock Elementary School
    • Keesha Jackson-Muir
  • Cherry Run Elementary School
    • Mark Bibbee
  • Chesterbrook Elementary School
    • Stacy Kirkpatrick
  • Fairfax High School
    • Georgina Aye
  • Franklin Sherman Elementary School
    • Kathleen Quigley
  • Garfield Elementary School
    • April Cage
  • Glasgow Middle School
    • Victor Powell
  • Halley Elementary School
    • Kerry Peerman
  • Hutchison Elementary School
    • Sarah Aiello
  • Justice High School
    • Tiffany Narcisse
  • Kent Gardens Elementary School
    • Holly McGuigan
  • Laurel Hill Elementary School
    • Janice Dalton
  • Lemon Road Elementary School
    • Ashley Castillo
  • Lorton Station Elementary School
    • Francis Legagneur
  • Louise Archer Elementary School
    • Michelle Makrigiorgos
  • Marshall High School
    • Jeffrey Litz
  • McLean High School
    • Ellen Reilly
  • Pine Spring Elementary School
    • Nikki Yacubovich
  • Poe Middle School
    • Jason Pannutti
  • Providence Elementary School
    • Dan Phillips
  • Shrevewood Elementary School
    • Joshua DeSmyter
  • Silverbrook Elementary School
    • Pamela Simpkins
  • Stenwood Elementary School
    • Erica Riley
  • Wakefield Forest Elementary School
    • Sharyn Prindle
  • Westgate Elementary School
    • Hallie Demetriades

Employees, Applicants, and Retirees

Submit questions or concerns, as well as upload forms and other documents through the FCPS StaffConnect portal. Human Resources representatives are also available for assistance Monday – Friday (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) by calling 571-423-3000 or 1-800-831-4331.