The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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  • W. Dayton Whittle

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May 18, 2008

Stanaford Elementary principal honored

By Fred Pace

Dreama Bell, principal at Stanaford Elementary School, says it’s a great feeling to know that others appreciate the hard work you do each day.

Bell, who was recently named West Virginia’s National Distinguished Principal, was recognized by parents and staff of the school during a surprise party Sunday at United Methodist Temple in Beckley.

“I am humbled and honored that they would do something like this for me,” Bell said. “I was really surprised. Nobody said a word about it to me.”

Bell said she credits all the great people she works with at the school, the parents and the community for all her success.

“When you have great support, you can do great things,” she said. “We work well as a team. There are a lot of good people there.”

As part of the national award, Bell traveled to Washington, D.C., to represent West Virginia.

“It was a great experience meeting all of the other principals from around the country that received the same honor in their state,” she said.

Bell was nominated for the award by her peers, then selected by a committee of elementary principals from across the state. The award is given by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. She was recognized at an awards ceremony in October in Washington, D.C., on Capitol Hill.

Bell has been principal at Stanaford Elementary for the past 16 years.

“When the principal at Stanaford retired, I moved here,” she said. “I’ve found a great home here.”

Bell has been in education for 37 years. She began teaching in McDowell County and after seven years moved to Beckley.

“I taught at Crab Orchard for 12 years, and then I became a principal,” she recalled.

Parents with children at Stanaford Elementary say it’s important to recognize those who work so hard for students.

“I think she has the kids’ best interest at heart,” said Donna Cook, who has two children attending the school. “She has worked tirelessly for the children, and we wanted to let her know how much we appreciate her.”

A program to recognize excellence in school leadership, the National Distinguished Principals Program was established in 1984 as an annual event to honor exemplary elementary and middle school principals. One principal is chosen annually for the honor from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

“I’m so pleased to have been selected,” said Bell. “It’s an amazing honor for me and all those with whom I work.”

— E-mail:fpace@register-herald.com

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