STMA East Principal Jennie Kelly Awarded Principal of the Year in Nation's Capital

St. Michael-Albertville Middle School East Principal Jennie Kelly was given her National Association of Secondary School Principal of the Year award in Washington, D.C. last month, an opportunity and trip she called the "experience of a lifetime." 

"Just the interaction we had, daily, with so many people around Washington who were so supportive of education was what made it such an amazing trip," she said recently from her office at Middle School East. "From politicians and building staff to the security guys, it was really genuine appreciation from everyone we talked to throughout the week." 

Kelly took in sites like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arlington National Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum and the Lincoln and Washington memorials, but she also was able to visit, 1-on-1, with three of Minnesota's representatives in Congress and the Senate. 

"It was great to have conversations with Sen. Franken and Sen. Klobuchar, as well as Rep. Bachmann," she said. "They were all very interested in talking about the issues we're facing in education today, like testing, funding, and some of those things. We were fortunate because the delegation from Minnesota there really did take time with us and discussed things like the science of teaching and what it's like today. Not every representative did that for the principals who were there for their state." 

The NASSP honors two principals from each state, one at the high school level and one at middle school. This year's high school recipient was Erich Martens of Sauk Rapids-Rice High. 

"We're in the same district for several state things, so we knew Erich well. It was fun to travel with the group. I wish every teacher had that kind of opportunity to walk around Washington and feel that same support for what they do," Kelly said. 

Kelly actually arrived in D.C. the day of the tragic shooting at the D.C. Naval Yard, an event she heard from just blocks away. She said it didn't really change the mood of the capital. 

She also attended mass at the Georgetown Cathedral, one of the largest Catholic churches in the world. 

"They were kind enough to say mass that day in honor of (lated student) Tyler (Purohit), so that was very special for us," Kelly said. "It's something I'll never forget."