Urbana Elementary School Principal Tracy Hilliard is the Frederick County Public Schools’ finalist for the Washington Post’s Principal of the Year Award.
Today, FCPS Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban surprised Hilliard with the award during a lunch shift in front of cheering students and staff. Hilliard is the district's finalist for The Washington Post honor; each year the newspaper recognizes educators in the Washington Metropolitan area who exemplify excellence and contribute improvements to their vocation. The Washington Post will announce its winner at a later date.
Also attending the FCPS “SurPRIZE Patrol” outing this morning were Board of Education President Jay Mason and Board Member Brad Young. They were joined by FCPS system leaders.
“Tracy’s commitment to learning starts within as she continues working on her doctorate in Educational Leadership, presenting at national conferences, writing articles for Principal Magazine, and training school leadership on the School Improvement Process” Urbana Elementary kindergarten teacher Toya Newman-Piermarini said.
“She has a strong focus in facilitating smooth school functioning, student academic achievement, student social emotional development, and staff growth development, and leadership.” Urbana Elementary School Counselor April Miller said. “As a school counselor, I value Tracy’s support of the whole child where she sets goals for academic achievement and social emotional develop for students.”
Ms. Hilliard began her career with FCPS in 1990 as a first-grade teacher. She was soon appointed Assistant Principal, then Principal in 2008. Prior to Urbana Elementary, she most recently served at Centerville Elementary. She led Urbana Elementary’s transition into a new school building. Hilliard has also received numerous leadership honors including the National Distinguished Principal of the Year Award in 2018.
Hilliard, who is working on her doctorate from Seton Hall University, earned two Master’s degrees from McDaniel College and a Bachelor’s degree from Delaware State University.