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Nov. 6, 2009

Herndon Educator Receives Top State Award

By Leslie Perales Observer Staff Writer

Students and staff at Hutchison Elementary School honored their Assistant Principal Ann Gwynn on Oct. 30 after she received the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principal's assistant principal of the year award.

As Gwynn walked into the school's cafeteria she was met with a huge burst of applause from school and local officials, the student body and parents. Students from each grade walked onto the stage to present Gwynn with notes of congratulations, poems, songs and artwork. The assembly also included a special photo presentation.

"I love coming to work every day," Gwynn said to her students. "You kids are so fabulous." She said the award is an amazing reflection of all of the school's staff that works together to do what is best for the students.

After being presented with the award by VAESP's President Jim Baldwin, Gwynn received a certificate of appreciation from Herndon Mayor Steve DeBenedittis. Fairfax school officials and some of her colleagues also congratulated her on her achievement.

Fairfax Superintendent Jack Dale said it must have been difficult for the schools hundreds of students and staff to keep such a big secret. He said it is an honor to have one of Fairfax's educators chosen to receive an award given to her by her peers throughout the state.

Dranesville district school board member Janie Strauss said the county's teachers are excellent because of how much they truly care for their students and love their jobs. Cluster I Assistant Superintendent Marty Smith said Gwynn's excellent work shows in the love of learning she instills in her students.

During the assembly students joined Gwynn on the stage to thank her for all she does for them.

Students congratulated her, wished her well and told her how much they love having her there. Many students thanked her for her cheerful greetings in the mornings when they walk into the building and for making them feel welcome and loved.

DeBenedittis said the recognition would be a wonderful reflection on Hutchison Elementary School. "It's a huge honor to win a statewide award like that," he said. "We're very proud to have her in the Herndon community.

After the assembly Gwynn said, "I'm so stunned and I'm so thrilled. It's such an honor." She said she was very impressed that the school's 700 students were able to keep such a big secret. "I was really surprised," she said. She said it was great to hear from so many of the school's students and it's wonderful to learn more about what they observe. "They're so appreciative of all the little things," she said.

Judy Baldwin, Hutchison's principal, said, "It's thrilling because it really exemplifies all of the work that she puts in with the students." She said it's great to see her colleague honored in such a way and the fact that she was chosen by other principals throughout the state is a huge compliment.

"It was overwhelming to see the students honor her," Judy Baldwin said. "They've worked so hard." She said the students have been working for the past few weeks to prepare for the assembly and come up with projects from the heart. At lunch the entire student body celebrated alongside Gwynn with cupcakes made by parents.