Charles schools lifer gets vice principal recognition

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

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Kathy Perriello, vice principal at General Smallwood Middle School, was selected as the 2009 Charles County Public Schools Vice Principal of the Year.

"I am truly honored and appreciative to receive the Outstanding Vice Principal of the Year Award. As a product of the Charles County school system and 20-year employee, I am thankful for the rich and positive opportunities the system has afforded me," Perriello said in a press release. "It is very humbling to receive an award and be recognized for something I love doing each and every day."

She was nominated for the award by her principal, Cynthia Baker.

"Mrs. Perriello is one who leads with her heart. Learning is ultimately about building relationships and making connections. Building strong positive relationships with students and staff is a top priority for her. She is truly deserving of the honor," Baker wrote in a nomination letter.

Principals from other county public schools who have worked with Perriello during her career say that she is a strong, energetic and dependable leader. "She has a tremendously positive and energetic approach to completing assigned duties and responding to challenging school situations," Mattawoman Middle School Principal William Wise said in a nomination letter.

Mary B. Neal Elementary School Principal Carol Leveillee has worked with Perriello on the school system's leadership committee for the past 10 years. She said Perriello is deserving of the award because she is a strong and talented leader.

"Without a doubt, the leadership committee is lucky to have this talented vice principal on the team. Kathy's biggest strength is her human relations skills. Her interaction with aspiring leaders is exemplary," Leveillee said in a nomination letter.

Smallwood parents and students also wrote letters of support for Perriello, which highlight her leadership skills, professionalism and friendly personality. "There is no greater motivator than someone who cares. It is evident that Mrs. Perriello cares and because of that she inspires both educators and students to strive to be themselves," Smallwood parent Holly Bednar said in a nomination letter.

Arianna Alford, a rising seventh-grader at Smallwood, said it is clear that Perriello cares about all students. "She makes sure everyone is safe and feels safe, and enjoys their time in school. She always has high spirits and it rubs off on students," she wrote in a nomination letter.