(March 30, 2017) Pocomoke Elementary School Principal Michael Browne was honored as the 2017 Maryland National Distinguished Principal award winner during a surprise ceremony at the school last Wednesday.
The award was from the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) with Browne receiving a $5,000 check from national K-12 education publisher Mentoring Minds.
Worcester County Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor beamed during his comments at the ceremony.
“It takes a lot of time to be an administrator and Michael puts in a lot of time,” he said. “As superintendent of schools I am feeling a great deal of pride today.”
After receiving an oversized check from MAESP Executive Director Steve Hagenbuch, Browne shared his gratitude for the award and the surprise presentation.
“I definitely was not expecting this today,” he said. “I’m humbled.”
Now in his fifth year as principal, after eight years as assistant principal, Browne attributed the schools success to a family centered environment.
“Working with small children and working with a great staff, and most of all having a very supportive family, makes this a wonderful experience,” he said.
MAESP reported Pocomoke Elementary barely had 20 percent of students performing at or above their grade level in reading and math during the beginning of the last school year. That number increased significantly, and by the end of the year 97 percent of students had improved in math and 79 percent had improved in reading.
“It’s nothing I do on my own,” Browne said. “It’s all because of the hard work each and every day that the students do, and the hard work of the faculty and staff.”
In light of the major strides, Browne said the school was also recently named a National Title I Distinguished School, which is only the second time Pocomoke Elementary has received the award.
Third grader Caroline Webster, 9, said Browne deserved the accolades.
“He doesn’t just tell kids stuff, he cares for all the kids and he’s not mean,” she said. “My brother teases me because I’m eager to stay at school.”
As part of the award, Browne will be honored with his fellow state winners during a National Distinguished Principal event this October in Washington D.C.
Although the spotlight was focused in his direction, Browne deflected the praise to his supportive staff and spouse.
“I thank you, because this wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the hard work that each and every one of you do on a daily basis,” he said. “I thank my wonderful wife because she’s a great sounding board.”
The award was from the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) with Browne receiving a $5,000 check from national K-12 education publisher Mentoring Minds.
Worcester County Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor beamed during his comments at the ceremony.
“It takes a lot of time to be an administrator and Michael puts in a lot of time,” he said. “As superintendent of schools I am feeling a great deal of pride today.”
After receiving an oversized check from MAESP Executive Director Steve Hagenbuch, Browne shared his gratitude for the award and the surprise presentation.
“I definitely was not expecting this today,” he said. “I’m humbled.”
Now in his fifth year as principal, after eight years as assistant principal, Browne attributed the schools success to a family centered environment.
“Working with small children and working with a great staff, and most of all having a very supportive family, makes this a wonderful experience,” he said.
MAESP reported Pocomoke Elementary barely had 20 percent of students performing at or above their grade level in reading and math during the beginning of the last school year. That number increased significantly, and by the end of the year 97 percent of students had improved in math and 79 percent had improved in reading.
“It’s nothing I do on my own,” Browne said. “It’s all because of the hard work each and every day that the students do, and the hard work of the faculty and staff.”
In light of the major strides, Browne said the school was also recently named a National Title I Distinguished School, which is only the second time Pocomoke Elementary has received the award.
Third grader Caroline Webster, 9, said Browne deserved the accolades.
“He doesn’t just tell kids stuff, he cares for all the kids and he’s not mean,” she said. “My brother teases me because I’m eager to stay at school.”
As part of the award, Browne will be honored with his fellow state winners during a National Distinguished Principal event this October in Washington D.C.
Although the spotlight was focused in his direction, Browne deflected the praise to his supportive staff and spouse.
“I thank you, because this wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the hard work that each and every one of you do on a daily basis,” he said. “I thank my wonderful wife because she’s a great sounding board.”