For Immediate Release: February 9, 2012

 

Two Brevard Administrators Honored as State Finalists

 

VIERA, FL – Hilah Mercer, Cambridge Elementary Magnet School Principal, and Melissa Catechis, Assistant Principal of Astronaut High School, have been named state finalists for the Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership and the Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award respectively.  Mercer and Catechis are one of three finalists named in each category. The finalists, identified by the Florida Department of Education, are an elite group of school administrators who are being recognized for their exemplary contributions to Florida's students, schools and communities.

“Like our teachers, our school-based administrators work passionately to make our schools great places for children to grow and learn,” said Superintendent Brian T. Binggeli. “We are very proud of Mrs. Mercer and Mrs. Catechis for receiving this honorable and deserved recognition.”

In response to the news, Catechis said, “I am honored to be recognized as a finalist and thankful to work with such a great staff and administration at AHS.  My love for the students at AHS is what motivates me to do my best each and every day.”

Mercer echoed the same sentiment; “It is an incredible honor to represent the principals of Brevard County. I am fortunate to work with dedicated staff members at Cambridge Elementary and Brevard Public Schools that allow me to serve students and their families as we strive to accomplish higher goals within our community.”

Mercer taught fourth and fifth grade in Seminole County prior to coming to Brevard in 1988. She was a drop-out prevention teacher at Andersen Elementary and later a primary specialist until 1997 when she was appointed the assistant principal of Roy Allen Elementary in Melbourne. She became principal of Challenger 7 Elementary in 2001, inaugural principal of Quest Elementary in 2004, and transferred to Cambridge Elementary in 2007. Mercer has a master’s degree in Exceptional Child Education that she received from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida in Elementary Education.

Catechis began teaching in 1993 at Saturn Elementary. She later transferred to Rockledge High as the drop-out prevention teacher in 1995 and remained there until she was appointed as the assistant principal of Astronaut High in 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education, and certification in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida.

The Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership was established in 1988, to recognize exemplary principals for their contributions to their schools and communities. The program honors principals that have spearheaded initiatives to increase student performance, promote safe learning environments and establish partnerships with parents and community members.

The Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award was established in 1997, to recognize exemplary assistant principals for their contributions to their schools and communities. The program honors assistant principals that have utilized teamwork and leadership skills to increase student performance, promote safe learning environments and establish partnerships with parents and community members.

Nomination packets for each award were sent to district superintendents. Each district was able to nominate one principal and one assistant principal. From the nominations, three principals and three assistant principals were selected as statewide finalists. Out of the three (3) finalists, one will be selected as State Winner.  The winner will be announced on Feb. 15 at the Commissioner’s Summit for Principals Awards Luncheon in Tallahassee.

-BPS-