October is National Principals Month — a time to recognize the leaders who inspire, empower and set the tone for excellence across the Martin County School District.
As part of our celebration this year, students and staff to join in the fun by voting for their principals’ unique “superlatives.” The results captured the spirit of the leaders behind our A-rated, unstoppable District — from those who start the day with inspiring morning announcements to those known for bright smiles, coffee-fueled plans, and the occasional mascot costume.
2025 Principal Superlatives:
Bessey Creek Elementary, Principal Atkinson: Most Likely to Say, “That’s Fascinating!”
Citrus Grove Elementary, Principal Rynca: Master of Morning Announcements
Crystal Lake Elementary, Principal Watkins: Most Likely to Bring the Cake and Only Eat the Icing
Dr. David L. Anderson Middle, Principal Pallaria: Best Smile in the Room
Felix A. Williams Elementary, Principal Tuthill: Most Likely to Brighten Your Day
Hobe Sound Elementary, Principal Elliott: Most Likely to Chomp Through Any Challenge
Hidden Oaks Middle, Principal Forte: Most Likely to Show Up in a Mascot Costume
Indiantown Middle, Principal Norman: Most Likely to Sing Like Whitney Houston
J.D. Parker Elementary, Principal Bottari: Most Likely to Make the Walkie Talkie Sound Like a Podcast Intro
Jensen Beach Elementary, Principal Smith: Most Likely to Rock a Power Suit
Jensen Beach High, Principal Connolly: Most Likely to Have a Cool Hobby You Didn’t Know About
Martin County High, Principal Vogel: Most Likely to Be Featured on a Reality TV Show
Murray Middle, Principal Roth: Most Likely to Always Have a Positive Attitude
Palm City Elementary, Principal Rabener: Most Likely to Juggle a Caramel Macchiato and a Master Plan
Pinewood Elementary, Principal Deutsch: Most Likely to Serve Everyone Cafecitos
Port Salerno Elementary, Principal Shaffer: Most Likely to Earn a Fist Bump, High-Five or Hug Before School Starts
SeaWind Elementary, Principal Michels: Most Likely to Make Leadership Part of the Décor
South Fork High, Principal Thompson: Most Likely to Say Yes for the Right Reasons
Stuart Middle, Principal Jones: Most Likely to Be Your Friend
Warfield Elementary, Principal Sumner: Most Likely to Break into Song
Spectrum Academy, Assistant Principal (Acting Principal) Thurston: Most Likely to Turn Chaos into a Teachable Moment
Adult Education, Coordinator Eversdyke: Most Likely to Lead with Heart and Vision
Willoughby Learning Center, Principal Stull: Glue That Holds Us Together
Pre-K Programs, Principal Gilbride: Swiftie-in-Chief (Biggest Taylor Swift Fan)
Riverbend Academy, Principal Sparks: Captain of Second Chances
From classrooms to campuses, our principals lead with heart — proving that excellence is not just an outcome, but a daily commitment. Watch our six-part video series to see their reactions as they discover which traits, catchphrases, and quirks earned them the spotlight this year.