LEONARDTOWN, Md. (March 18, 2011) — Ms. Susie Fowler, principal of Lexington Park Elementary School, has been selected as St. Mary's County Public Schools' recipient of The Washington Post's Distinguished Educational Leadership Award.
The Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award exists to recognize those principals who go beyond the daily challenges of their position to create an exceptional educational environment.
"Ms. Fowler represents the high level of excellence we have in our school leadership," said Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools. "She has demonstrated exemplary leadership and is fully dedicated to the success of her school."
Ms. Fowler joined St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) in 1974 as a speech and language pathologist. For 17 years, she worked in various schools helping students with their speech and language needs. This led to her serving as a facilitator for speech and language pathologists from 1991-1993. After obtaining her administrator certification, Ms. Fowler was named assistant principal at Banneker-Loveville Elementary School and Green Holly Elementary School. In 1997, she accepted the leadership position at Jenifer Elementary School in Charles County. Ms. Fowler returned to SMCPS in 2007 as principal of Lexington Park Elementary School.
"Over the years, we have not only witnessed how high her expectations are, but learned to expect them from ourselves as teachers and leaders within our school community," wrote Ms. Robin Simpson, Lexington Park Elementary School fifth grade teacher, in her letter of support for Ms. Fowler. "Her commitment toward the students, staff and community has brought us rewards, recognition and closer to our educational goals."
During the last week of April, The Washington Post will present the award to Ms. Fowler and the other principals representing public school systems in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, as well as a private school principal in the Washington metropolitan area.
Source: St. Mary's County Public Schools