Seven Philadelphia School Principals Receive Lindback Awards

Outstanding principals recognized for their leadership at the Lindback Awards.

News Summary

The Lindback Foundation recently honored seven exceptional principals from the Philadelphia School District for their outstanding leadership and commitment to educational excellence. Among the recipients are KaTiedra Argro and Marla Travis, who have both made significant contributions to their schools. The awards come with a $20,000 grant aimed at enhancing school resources, demonstrating the impact of dedicated leadership in education. The principals plan to implement innovative programs that foster a supportive learning environment, paving the way for a brighter future for Philly students.

Seven Philadelphia School Principals Celebrate Leadership with Lindback Awards

Philadelphia is buzzing with excitement as the Lindback Foundation recently announced the winners of its annual distinguished principal award. This year, seven outstanding administrators from the Philadelphia School District have been recognized for their exceptional leadership and commitment to educational excellence. Talk about an impressive achievement!

A Heartfelt Approach to Leadership

Among the shining stars in this year’s lineup is KaTiedra Argro, the Principal of Philadelphia High School for Girls. Argro, an alumna of the very school she now leads, graduated back in 1999 and is passionate about reviving enrollment at this historic institution. With a deep commitment to prioritizing students’ needs, she believes in leading with both heart and passion. Her goal is clear: to restore the school’s enrollment numbers and place it back in the top three schools in Philadelphia. There’s no doubt she has the fire and dedication to make it happen!

Growth and Community Focus

Another award recipient is Marla Travis, the Principal of West Philadelphia High School. She not only follows in the footsteps of her mother, a former educational leader and award winner but has also made significant strides in her role. With 36 years of service in various positions within the School District of Philadelphia, including principal, assistant principal, and school counselor, Travis has a wealth of experience to draw from. Under her leadership, West Philadelphia High’s enrollment skyrocketed from 300 to an astounding 800 students in just six years!

The Lindback Award comes with a generous $20,000 grant that these principals can invest back into their schools. For West Philadelphia High, Travis plans to utilize these funds to build a new recording studio and podcast room, enhancing the school’s resources and opportunities for students. How exciting is that?

Honoring More Educational Leaders

In addition to Argro and Travis, five other exceptional principals were honored: Paula Furman from AMY at James Martin, Nichole Polk from Potter-Thomas School, Melissa Bragg from John Hancock Demonstration Schools, and William Lawrence from John Marshall Elementary School. These leaders are demonstrating that, with vision and dedication, schools can flourish and be places where students thrive.

A Bright Future for Students

At West Philadelphia High, Travis has exciting plans in store. Her vision includes enhancing Career and Technical Education programs and improving graduation pathways for students. Thanks to partnerships with local universities like the University of Pennsylvania, the school is ready to implement after-school programs and specialized workshops that are sure to appeal to students’ aspirations.

Meanwhile, Argro is committed to creating a Positive Behavior Interventions and Support room at Philadelphia High School for Girls. This initiative aims to foster an environment where students feel safe, valued, and focused on their academic and personal growth. The changes being made are not just changes for today, they’re laying the groundwork for a bright future.

Celebrating Service in Education

While the Lindback Awards celebrate exceptional principals, they also bring recognition to teachers in the Philadelphia School District. Later this month, sixty dedicated educators will be honored for their service, demonstrating the importance of collaboration between leadership and teaching staff.

This year’s Lindback Awards are more than just an accolade. They serve as a celebration of educational leadership while also providing significant funding to improve opportunities and resources for schools. With such passionate leaders steering the ship, the future indeed looks bright for the students in Philadelphia!