2024 VCS Principals of the Year

Volusia County Schools and FUTURES Foundation of Volusia County Schools announced the 2024 Principals of the Year during recent surprise visits to the schools.

Angela Polite, principal of Champion Elementary School, is the 2024 Elementary Principal of the Year, and Jacquese Copeland, principal of Southwestern Middle School, is the 2024 Secondary Principal of the Year.

In nominating Polite for this award, her administrative team described her as the “very essence of transformative leadership. Under her guidance, Champion is a vibrant, trust-filled community where taking chances for growth is not just accepted but encouraged.”  She has been principal of Champion Elementary since 2021.

Copeland was chosen for her commitment to professional development for each teacher to improve instructional practices. She has also introduced several new educational programs that cater to students’ diverse needs and interests, extending and embracing the “TEAM Tiger” mentality for all. Copeland has served as principal for the past 8 years and will be moving into a district level administrative position this fall.

“Our Principals of the Year are committed to the students of Volusia County,” said FUTURES Foundation Executive Director Shimene Shepard. “We are excited to partner with the district in celebrating their excellence in leadership.”

The Principal of the Year awards are co-sponsored by VCS and FUTURES Foundation, and winners are selected by their peer group principals during a secret ballot process. The awards honor outstanding leadership and service by school-level administrators. The winners received a plaque and a $250 award from FUTURES. All nominees will be recognized at a fall event.

See the video of the awards at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0T2ZXyZqM4

FUTURES Foundation is a nonprofit, direct support organization founded in 1985 to support Volusia County Schools. Its mission is to engage business and civic leaders to promote and achieve educational excellence for Volusia County Schools. More info: www.FUTURESVolusia.org

.