Hilltop Principal 'Extraordinary Champion for Young Children'

principal Louise E. DeJesu was held by the Early Childhood Coalition (ECC) of Anne Arundel County.

According to Krystine Milewski, ECC program director, DeJesu was chosen as the recipient of the 2011 Jennifer Summers Barrett Champion of Children Award because of her advocacy for her students, 75 percent of whom are below poverty level.

“She makes sure her students have what they need to succeed 365 days a year,” Milewski said. “Whether it's eye exams and glasses, dental care or food, she is a big advocate for her kids.”

Nancy Cahlink-Seidler, who serves as Family Services Coordinator for the , said that DeJesu was presented with the award because of her dedication to children and families in the Hilltop school district.

The Judy Center is a community organization at Hilltop designed to promote school readiness by providing comprehensive early childhood services to children and their families.

“Louise goes above and beyond her job description and works tirelessly to empower the students and parents in her area,” Cahlink-Seidler said. “She works at everything from home visits to a clothes closet to a food pantry program. She is often at work until eight or nine at night and is completely dedicated to her students.”

ECC co-chair Jeff Franklin called DeJesu an “extraordinary champion for young children,” saying that the principal was chosen to receive the honor because of her unparalleled dedication to improving the lives of her students.

“I feel really blessed to have had the opportunity to work in Anne Arundel County for the past 33 years, and to have such a wonderful superintendent,” DeJesu said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to work where children are truly respected and cared for. I thank God that I can work in an environment where I can see a difference in the lives of our children.”

DeJesu encouraged attendees to watch the children they interact with, and to listen to what they say.

“Ask them questions and then take some action to help them. It's as easy as that, and it's as hard as that,” DeJesu said.

Anne Arundel County Delegate Pam Beidle (D-Linthicum) presented DeJesu with a citation from the Maryland General Assembly, showing the appreciation of the State for the work the principal has done in the Hilltop district.

“You really feel the love when you are around Louise,” Beidle said. “She gets the whole community involved, and we are so appreciative of her work with these students.”