TWO M-DCPS PRINCIPALS NAMED REGIONAL FINALISTS FOR
PRINCIPAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

MIAMI – Two of Miami-Dade’s most highly respected principals have been named regional finalists in the prestigious Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership presented by the Florida Department of Education. Winners will be announced Sept. 29-30 at the Commissioner’s Summit for Principals in Ponte Vedra.

Miami-Dade County Principal of the Year Alexis L. Martinez of Coral Gables Senior High School and Principal of the Year runner-up Irwin Adler of Herbert A. Ammons Middle School received the honor.

Martinez has been with the District 16 years. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, where he majored in marine zoology. He then went on to get his master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University majoring in science education and educational leadership. Two years ago he earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Nova. Martinez oversees 3,592 students and 243 staff members. He is known as a fair leader and facilitator credited with raising the morale of his staff and heading various beautification projects at the school.

Adler has been with the District 32 years, serving as a teacher, coach, central office administrator, assistant principal and a principal. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, majoring in English, and his master’s degree in administration and supervision from Nova Southeastern University. Under his nine-year leadership, his school has been named: best Miami-Dade middle school in attendance for the last four years; one of the “Top 100 Technology Schools in the USA” by PC Family magazine; and one of the top magnet schools in the country for the last four years by Magnet Schools of America.

Established in 1988, the Principal Achievement Award honors three exceptional Florida principals from elementary, middle and high school. Nominees are judged on their accomplishments in boosting parent involvement, raising student performance levels, providing assistance to special-needs and at-risk students, developing community partners and making a positive impact through unique programs and strategies.

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05-LJG/068/DF

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