Established in 1984, this prestigious honor recognizes outstanding elementary and middle-level principals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a lasting impact on their schools and communities, Okaloosa County School District officials said Monday in a news release.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition from the National Association of Elementary School Principals,” Kelley said in a statement. “From a young age, my passion for education has been a driving force in my life, a fact my sister Valerie fondly reminds me of to this day. I am profoundly grateful to my late parents, Roy and Nancy Kelley, for their unwavering support and for providing me with the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. This award is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to their belief in the transformative power of education. I would be remiss not to thank Team Okaloosa and especially the faculty and staff of Northwood Elementary for all the support I have been given over the years.”
School District officials said Kelley’s dedication to fostering a nurturing and innovative learning environment has earned her this well-deserved recognition. Her peers have also acknowledged her commitment to student success and educational excellence — she was named Elementary Principal of the Year for Okaloosa County in 2022-2023 and again this year.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised Kelley’s leadership, stating: “Dr. Donna Kelley is an exceptional leader who goes above and beyond to support her students, teachers, and school community. Her passion for education and dedication to excellence make her truly deserving of this recognition. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the positive impact she continues to make in Okaloosa County.”
Kelley will be honored at the Florida Association of School Administrators Discover ’25 Conference and recognized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals in Washington, D.C., or at the UNITED Conference in Seattle in July.