Daniels named top principal

Thermopolis Middle School Principal Breez Longwell Daniels has been selected as Wyoming's 2017 National Distinguished Principal (NDP).

Kenny Jones, Wyoming Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals (WAEMSP) executive director, and Mitch Craft, Wyoming's 2016 NDP, made the announcement Monday morning in the commons in front of TMS staff and students.

"This award is possible because of all of us," said Daniels as she accepted the honor. She reminded staff and students that their hard work made it all possible.

Daniels was nominated and selected by fellow principals through a statewide search process conducted by WAEMSP, according to Jones.

Criteria for selection of the principals require that the honorees are active principals of schools where programs are designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students. There also must be firmly established community ties with parents and local business organizations.

"I am extremely proud of her, her staff and the students of TMS. This award is a great reflection of not only TMS, but the district as a whole," said Hot Springs County School District Superintendent Dustin Hunt.

Daniels will travel to Washington, D.C. in October for two days of activities to honor and bring recognition to the elementary and middle-level educators chosen by the states, the District of Columbia, plus private and overseas schools.

"In her five years as principal of Thermopolis Middle School, Breez Daniels has made a positive and lasting impact on student learning. Her commitment to fostering systematic teacher collaboration and high quality instruction has taken hold among her staff. The impact is clearly measurable in TMS student results. Daniels doesn't just talk the talk, she is a change agent who walks the walk and is making a difference for kids in her community," said Craft.

Daniels is an active member of the community, serving on the Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital Board and volunteering through 4-H and FFA.

Daniels is a graduate of the University of Wyoming. She previously held the position of technology instructional facilitator and was technology director prior to taking over the reins at TMS.

"At the helm of every successful school is a successful principal," said Gail Connelly, NAESP's executive director. "Our program provides us with an opportunity to recognize the outstanding leadership of these principals and their community to creating successful learning communities. Because of them, students thrive academically, teachers grow professionally and communities are strengthened. "

Since 1956, the WAEMSP has served as Wyoming's professional education association and now represents 234 elementary and middle school principals and aspiring principals throughout the state.