Clarkston resident, Suzanne Antonazzo, received the ?2004 Outstanding Practicing Principle Award? from the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principles Association.
Antonazzo has been a principle at Haviland Elementary in Waterford for ten years. She attended Western Michigan University and received her masters from Oakland University.
Waterford schools superintendent and the Haviland Elementary staff nominated Antonazzo for the award, and they had a few tricks up their sleeves.
‘My boss called me and told me I had to attend the conference for MEMSPA in Lansing,? said Antonazzo. ‘They said all the people who were nominated were invited to the dinner.?
At this point, Antonazzo was told she did not win the award. She was a good sport though and went to Lansing.
While sitting through the dinner, and listening to the presentation, Antonazzo realized she had been tricked. She did win the award, and her family and friends surprised her when they burst into the room with balloons and flags.
‘I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life,? said Antonazzo.
Since May, everyone knew that Antonazzo was the winner. Her staff, family and friends drove to Lansing on a school bus to participate in her glorious moment.
The night honored many people; speakers focused on quality and achievement. Antonazzo was recognized for her excellence and a program she developed called, ‘Leaders in Readers.?
‘When I got to school the next day, my staff had balloons all over the place and taped down red plastic to the floor, so I could walk on a red carpet,? said Antonazzo.
Antonazzo now goes on to be recognized as a National Distinguished Principle in Washington D.C. next year. The recognition is the next step of the award.
‘It was just thrilling and the best part was the people I love gave up an evening to join me in Lansing,? said Antonazzo.