Puyallup Principal Recognized For Outstanding Leadership

PUYALLUP, WA – A Puyallup school principal has received an award for outstanding leadership from the U.S. Secretary of Education. She's the first principal Washington state to do so.

Michelle Fox, principal of Ridgecrest Elementary, is one of 10 principals in the country to receive the 2020 Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership. She will be honored during the National Blue Ribbon Schools virtual awards ceremony on Thursday.

The award recognizes school leaders and the role they play in guiding students to excellence.

In an announcement, the Puyallup School District said Fox cultivates a trusting and caring school environment.

"Her greatest strength is knowing the formula for school success," school officials said in the announcement. "A combination of strong system, academic rigor, and caring community is her baseline for student success."