Aldrin Assistant Principal Earns Top Honor

Buzz Aldrin Elementary School Principal Barbara Gist has been selected as Virginia’s 2013 National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year by the National Association of Elementary School Principals in collaboration with the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals.

The award honors assistant principals who are doing a superb job in their current positions and have brought about positive change in their respective elementary or middle schools, sats the NAESP.

Gist received her award in a surprise presentation in front of all community members, school staff and her family on Tuesday.

Among the guests to honor Gist: Aldrin Principal Shane Wolfe; FCPS School Board members Jane Strauss (Dranesville District) and Pat Hynes (Hunter Mill District); Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools Jack Dale; and Cluster Assistant Superintendent Marty Smith.

"Mrs. Gist is one of the hardest working principals I have seen in my time as a principal," said Principal Wolfe. "She is always focused, supportive and helpful, but never loses sight of the kids she is working with. I am both proud and honored that I get to be a co-administrator with her at Aldrin.  She is simply amazing."

Gist holds degrees from the University of Virginia, Marymount University, Stanford University and Loyola University. She has served as assistant principal of Aldrin for seven years. Prior to her current assignment, she served as an AP Intern and as a general education and gifted and talented teacher since 1999.

Gist will be honored this summer at the Annual VAESP Conference in Hot Springs, Va.

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