From the Washoe County School District:
Gina Leonhard, principal of Yvonne Shaw Middle School in Spanish Springs, has been named Middle School Principal of the Year for Nevada by the Secondary School Principals' Association of Nevada (SSPAN). In announcing her recognition, Rick Detisch III, president of SSPAN, praised Leonhard, saying “the outstanding work [she] has demonstrated in education with students, staff, and the community is remarkable.”
“I am so honored to be recognized by my colleagues,” said Leonhard, who has served as principal at Shaw Middle School since 2010. “I love doing this job and it makes it easy when I get to work with such a wonderful staff and a great community. I am thankful to be surrounded by people who make students a priority and are willing to work hard for them.”
“I am proud of Gina and her hard work at Shaw Middle School,” said Interim Superintendent Traci Davis. “As principal of Shaw Middle School—which is one of our largest middle schools—she has proved to be a great leader and a passionate advocate for her students and staff members. I am thrilled to hear that she has been recognized, not just in our District but across the state, for helping our students achieve their goals.”
“Gina leads and manages with persistence, humor, and a passion for the success of the entire school community,” said Dr. Troy Parks, WCSD area superintendent for Zone 4. “In the past couple of years, she has provided a school-wide focus on improving the professional learning community at Shaw Middle School, where all departments and teachers are focused on what students need to learn. Her efforts continue to help more students find success at Shaw Middle School. She is very deserving of this award, and I'm excited that she has received this high honor.”
Leonhard received her Bachelor's degree in Education at the University of Nevada, Reno, and later earned her Master's degree in Education Administration and Supervision at the University of Phoenix. She taught science at Mendive Middle School from 1997 to 2004, and was named assistant principal at Shaw Middle School in 2004.
Leonhard will be honored by SSPAN during a ceremony in Las Vegas in November.
From the Washoe County School District
