NICEVILLE, Fla. — Northwood Elementary School Principal Dr Donna Kelley has been named one of 43 educators nationwide to receive the 2025 National Distinguished Principal award from the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).
Niceville.com Community Partner
Dr Kelley, who has led Northwood Elementary since 2013, joined fellow honorees in Washington, D.C., from October 23 to 24 for a two-day celebration recognizing outstanding school leadership. The event concluded with an awards banquet at The Willard InterContinental honoring principals who demonstrate excellence in education and community engagement.
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized among such talented and dedicated school leaders,” said Dr Kelley.
“This award reflects the work of the entire Northwood Elementary community, our teachers, staff, students, and families, who make our school such a special place to learn and grow.”
Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers commended Dr Kelley’s achievement.
“Dr Kelley exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader,” said Mr Chambers.
“Her passion for students, her dedication to excellence, and her unwavering commitment to building a positive school culture are second to none. We are proud to see her receive this national recognition, which reflects not only her leadership but also the incredible work happening every day at Northwood Elementary and across Okaloosa County.”
Since 1984, the NAESP National Distinguished Principal program has recognized public and private school principals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, foster academic excellence, and build meaningful relationships with families and communities. Each state’s NAESP affiliate selects one honoree annually.
The announcement coincided with National Principals Month, celebrating school leaders for their contributions to student success and well-being. NAESP Executive Director L. Earl Franks praised this year’s honorees, noting they “exemplify resilience and leadership well beyond the status quo.”
For more information about the National Distinguished Principal program, visit www.naesp.org.
