The Outstanding New Principal Award recognizes distinguished educators and extraordinary leaders who are within their first three years as principals. The recipient is an innovative and exceptional manager whose vision inspires and guides staff, students, and the community to help lead the school to excellence. Any FCPS employee or community member may nominate a principal for the Outstanding New Principal Award.

2024 Outstanding New Principal 

Raven N. Jones

Luther Jackson Middle School, Region 2

Raven relentlessly works to build a positive and collaborative school culture where everyone can see themselves reflected and know that they are valued members of the school. She balances a results-driven approach with a deep commitment to the well-being and care of the school community and works to remove barriers to equitable access and outcomes at Jackson. Raven has a clear vision for teaching and learning and dedicates herself to the staff and students' professional, academic, and personal growth. She does not shy away from tough conversations but approaches difficult situations with compassion and an unwavering focus on student outcomes. Raven’s dedication to ensuring the long-term, holistic success of students and staff has transformed culture at Jackson.
 

2024 Outstanding New Principal Finalist

Ingrid C. Badia

Annandale Terrace Elementary School, Region 6

Ingrid is a hands-on principal who is often described as caring, organized, and empowering to staff, students, and families. Every day, she ensures that every student, teacher, or family member who walks in through the front doors of ATES feels welcomed. This year, Ingrid implemented the school theme “Amazing Things Happen at Annandale Terrace.” She carries this slogan throughout all practices to remind teachers and staff of the amazing things that happen at the school because of everything they do for the students and families. Ingrid has brought back Parent Coffees during which she shares with family members strategies to support learning at home, then visits classrooms to see how these strategies are impacting the classroom positively.

2024 Outstanding New Principal Finalist

Veronica Del Bagno

Rolling Valley Elementary School, Region 5

In Veronica’s inaugural year as the principal of Rolling Valley, she embraced the words of educational author Mike Mattos that a journey “does not begin with taking a first step, but by facing the right direction.” Veronica embarked on her path by establishing the guiding principles of caring, collaborating, and communicating. She fostered inclusive and supportive systems and structures to reach every student by integrating diverse perspectives into data-driven conversations. this commitment to every student was evident in supporting intellectual disability and enhanced autism programs, and honoring military-connected students by earning the Purple Star Award. Veronica cultivated an environment where teamwork was integral to the processes and initiatives directed toward enhancing the educational experience for students, staff, and families alike.
 

2024 Outstanding New Principal Finalist

Gina O'Neal

Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School, Region 3

Gina keeps love at the center of her leadership. From kicking off the school year with the theme of “Anchored in Love” to greeting students and families every morning, to walking kids home from school, Gina brings new meaning to the term ‘heart work’. This year Gina planned and executed several events to unite the community, such as Family Field Trips, a Harvest Festival, and Panther PRIDE Day. As a fierce instructional leader, Gina has transformed instructional practices by leveraging content coaches, professional development opportunities, and county resources to provide a rich academic experience for every student. Gina’s passion, enthusiasm, and love are felt, seen, and heard every day at Mt. Vernon Woods, where all staff, students, and families feel safe, welcomed, valued, and affirmed.
 

2023 Outstanding New Principal Finalist

Linda Cassese Shannon

Mantua Elementary School, Region 5

“Leadership is not about the role; it’s about the goal.” Linda’s goal is to make Mantua a place where students and staff feel joy while thriving academically and professionally, while families feel like true partners in the work. She focuses on student and adult learning, creating a physically and emotionally safe environment, and building trusting relationships with the entire school community. She brought Responsive Classroom and The Positivity Project to Mantua, ensuring there is an intentional focus on the language and traits that help foster connections. Linda starts each week off by walking the track with students, families, and staff. Her caring leadership shows in her continued commitment as a leader of a school where students and staff grow and learn together.

2024 Outstanding New Principal Finalist

Monika Guerrero Vereb

Herndon Middle School, Region 1

Monika embodies exceptional dedication to student growth, teacher support, parent engagement, and community involvement. At Herndon Middle, she spearheaded a comprehensive instructional plan to foster strong relationships and enhance students' durable life skills within the FCPS learning model. Her collaborative approach has cultivated a vibrant and unified school culture, prioritizing student well-being and celebrating their growth during their formative middle school years. Through transformational leadership and strategic partnerships, Monika helped the school earn distinctions like the International Society for Technology (ISTE) Lighthouse School designation and a substantial STEM robotics grant from Google. Her unwavering commitment has propelled Herndon Middle to educational distinction, creating a safe, innovative, and close-knit community where every student thrives.

2024 Outstanding New Principal School Recipients

• Annandale Terrace Elementary School
  • Ingrid Badia
• Canterbury Woods Elementary School
  • Leslie Malkowski
• Carl Sandburg Middle School
  • Eric Underhill
• Clearview Elementary School
  • Stephanie Almquist
• Herndon Middle School
  • Monika Vereb
• Holmes Middle School
  • Serena Giron
• Hunt Valley Elementary School
  • Keieownna Johnson-Hightower
• Island Creek Elementary School
  • Jen Fallert
• Lake Braddock Secondary School
  • Lindsey Kearns
• Laurel Ridge Elementary School
  • Megan Counts
• Little Run Elementary School
  • Christie Yarn
• Luther Jackson Middle School
  • Raven Jones
• Lynbrook Elementary School
  • Kathleen Sain
• Mantua Elementary School
  • Linda Shannon
• McNair Elementary School
  • Elizabeth Watson
• Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School
  • Gina O'Neal
• Navy Elementary School
  • Amos Simms-Smith
• Oak Hill Elementary School
  • Kelly Durso
• Providence Elementary School
  • Andrew Pratt
• Rolling Valley Elementary School
  • Veronica Del Bagno
• Saratoga Elementary School
  • Abigail Ragan
• Sleepy Hollow Elementary School
  • Mirna Vega
• South County Middle School
  • Justin Simmons
• Stone Middle School
  • Sonya Williams
• Union Mill Elementary School
  • Scott Hawk
• Westfield High School
  • Antonio DiBari