Okaloosa County School Board approves new Assistant Principal for Lewis

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Michelle Robinson Cook has been named the Assistant Principal of Lewis School in Valparaiso following her approval by the Okaloosa County School Board at its meeting on August 27, 2024.

Ms Cook, an Okaloosa County School District alumna, began her educational journey at the old District Office on Lowery Place in Fort Walton Beach. Following her mother’s career as an educator, she attended Cherokee Elementary, Wright Elementary, and Bruner Middle School before graduating from Fort Walton Beach High School.

Ms Cook earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Career and Technical Education from the University of West Florida.

Starting her teaching career in 2004 at Niceville High School as an American Sign Language and Career and Technical Education teacher, Ms Cook later transitioned to Bruner Middle School in 2011 with the expansion of the CTE program to middle schools.

Her dedication to education was recognized when she was named Bruner’s Teacher of the Year in 2012. She advanced to the role of Dean of Students in 2022 and completed a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education in 2023, graduating summa cum laude.

Throughout her career, Ms Cook has held numerous leadership roles, including Department Chair, Teacher Mentor, and coach for softball and golf teams.

Ms Cook, who has been married to her husband Charles for 28 years, is the mother of three children. She expressed her excitement about joining Lewis School as a Falcon and said she looked forward to contributing to the school community.

Lewis School is at 281 Mississippi Avenue.