By Andrea Cordle
Westside Editor
A Falcon is soaring to new heights in education.
Jaime Stewart, an administrator at Franklin Heights High School, was named the Assistant Principal of the Year by the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA).
“I was very surprised,” said Stewart. “I never thought I’d win. I am very honored.”
Stewart has been an administrator at Franklin Heights for six years. She has been an employee in the South-Western City Schools District for 13 years.
Dr. David Axner, associate executive director of the OASSA, said Stewart was the lead candidate for the annual award.
Not to take anything away from the other candidates, but Jaime was an easy choice,” said Axner. “She is well thought of and has such a passion for kids.”
According to Axner, Stewart plays many roles at Franklin Heights. She works with academics, handles disciplinary cases and works in the special education field. He said because of her versatility, numerous people wanted to nominate Stewart for the award.
Stewart was also picked for the honor for helping to implement Reaching New Heights, a character education program. She said the program aims to decrease bullying and increase acceptance along with a welcoming attitude.
“The program has been pretty successful in reducing disciplinary problems,” said Stewart.
Stewart does not accept total credit for the OASSA award. She said she shares the award with her peers and students at Franklin Heights, as well as her mentors in the school district.
“It really is a family atmosphere at Franklin Heights,” said Stewart. “It is so rewarding to see the teachers grow and get to know the students on a personal level.”
The OASSP is part of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The organization promotes excellence in school leadership by offering professional development.
Stewart will receive the award in March and will attend the national conference in Washington, D.C. in April.
According to Axner, those who win the assistant principal of the year award, usually become a principal.
“I have no doubt Jaime will make a wonderful school principal,” said Axner, who is a retired superintendent from Dublin Schools. “The district must be doing something right.”
