People wear many different hats in life, and on Tuesday, July 28, there was a change in hats for leaders at Destin High School.
Diane Kelley, who has served as principal of Destin High for the past two years, turned in her principal hat for a “retirement” hat during a news conference at the Shark Tank.
Kelley, who has a distinguished 45-year career in public education, will not be going far.
Destin High Governing Board President Heidi LoCicero told the small group gathered at the Shark Tank for a news conference on Tuesday that Kelley will assume the newly created role of adviser to the board of directors and legislative lobbyist, where she will continue advancing the school’s mission.
Kelley’s career included service as a teacher and administrator in the Okaloosa County School District, an elected member of the Okaloosa County School Board and principal of Destin High School.
“She was elected to the office,” LoCicero said.
“She truly believes in students and education,” she said.
Before stepping down, Kelley helped to hand select a replacement for the office of principal.
At that point, Kelley handed off her principal hat to Jill McNamara, who has served as the school’s assistant principal.
“We knew continuity was important,” LoCicero said. “And the best people are already here and part of the family. It warms my heart to promote from within.”
Taking over the hat of assistant principal is Matt Means, who has served as student councilor.
Parting words from Kelley
After changing hats, Kelley spoke from the heart.
“Everything comes down to one thing … it comes down to relationships.”
“The reason we have good hires right here is relationships,” Kelley said.
“I compare this staff to any staff I’ve ever worked with … you guys are fabulous,” Kelley said, noting the students were great as well.
She talked about how the world has changed in the past 45 years.
“When I think about going from a classroom and teaching with an overhead projector, to talking about cyber-security and AI … that’s pretty phenomenal. That is decades of evolution,” Kelley said.
She talked of how the Shark family has impacted her and how school has an energy unlike anything else.
“The halls of energy of all the together is what I will miss,” Kelley said.
“School has it’s own rhythm … school has its own energy, different from home. That whole energy of school is what I will miss,” she said.
Kelley wrapped up with one final thought.
“Over 45 years, I’ve come up with a recipe for a longevity in education – love kids, hire good people, keep your sense of humor and never get in between teenagers and the lunch bell,” she said.
Words from McNamara
Before McNamara came up to speak, LoCicero had words of praise for her.
“She’s a champion for the teachers … and I’m excited to have you as part of family as principal,” LoCicero said.
McNamara thanked the governing board for putting their trust in her.
“I promise to do my best,” she said.
She thanked Kelley for mentorship.
“I wouldn’t be prepared for this year” without watching her every day, McNamara said.
“I will carry the things you have taught me every day,” McNamara said.
McNamara told the crowd she is very mission driven.
“I want to be an A school. I want to be the best school in Okaloosa County. And the best way to get there is to hire, and attract exceptional educators,” McNamara said.
“Educators are the heartbeat of the school,” she said.
Assistant principal
Means has been selected to wear the hat of assistant principal.
“He’s been with us almost since the beginning,” LoCicero said.
“You have poured into the kids … we are glad to have you as assistant principal,” LoCicero said.
Before the news conference wrapped up, Destin High Executive Director Willy Williams thanked Kelley for her leadership.
“I’m excited for Jill in her new role,” Williams said.
“And Mr. Means has been here through transitions … he’s that constant presence,” Williams said.
Readiness Day at Destin High is Aug. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This article originally appeared on The Destin Log: Destin High School promotes from within for new leadership
Reporting by Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log / The Destin Log
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log | USA TODAY Network
