The Okaloosa County School District is proud to announce that Dr. Donna Kelley, principal of Northwood Elementary School, has been recognized as one of 43 exemplary principals nationwide to receive the prestigious 2025 National Distinguished Principal (NDP) award from the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). Dr. Kelley, who has served as principal of Northwood Elementary since 2013, joined fellow honorees from across the country in Washington, D.C., from October 23–24 for two days of celebration, reflection, and collaboration. The program culminated with an awards banquet at The Willard InterContinental, honoring their remarkable contributions to students, schools, and communities. Since 1984, the NAESP National Distinguished Principal program has recognized public and private school principals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, foster academic excellence, and build meaningful partnerships with families and communities. Each state's NAESP affiliate selects its honoree, recognizing those who go above and beyond in creating supportive, high-achieving learning environments for all students.
"It is an incredible honor to be recognized among such talented and dedicated school leaders," said Dr. Kelley. "This award reflects the work of the entire Northwood Elementary community, our teachers, staff, students, and families, who make our school such a special place to learn and grow." Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised Dr. Kelley's achievement, saying, "Dr. Kelley exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader. Her passion for students, her dedication to excellence, and her unwavering commitment to building a positive school culture are second to none. We are proud to see her receive this national recognition, which reflects not only her leadership but also the incredible work happening every day at Northwood Elementary and across Okaloosa County."
The announcement comes during National Principals Month, a time to celebrate the vital role principals play in ensuring students' academic success and well-being. NAESP Executive Director L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE, commended this year's honorees, noting, "The 2025 NAESP NDPs exemplify resilience and leadership well beyond the status quo.to this outstanding class of deserving school leaders." For more information about the National Distinguished Principal program, visit www.naesp.org.
