Lillie Cox, superintendent, Alamance-Burlington School System, Burlington, N.C.
Lillie Cox is a champion of children and epitomizes great leadership ability. Since she returned to Alamance-Burlington Schools as superintendent (the district’s first female head of schools) in 2011, the school system has shown marked improvement in every measure and has achieved several historic milestones because of her vision for public education and for the community. Under her direction, Alamance-Burlington became the only school district in the nation in 2013 to earn two prestigious first place awards in the National School Boards Association Magna Awards competition. In addition, students earned back-to-back historic records for annual scholarship awards, achieved the highest graduation rate in district history and recorded steady advancement on all academic measures.
Karen C. Woodward, superintendent, Lexington County, School District One, Lexington, S.C.
Karen C. Woodward demonstrates exemplary leadership for learning, personal and organizational communication strengths, stellar professionalism and dedication to serving others. As Lexington One’s visionary leader, Woodward encourages district employees to focus on preparing the next generation of leaders and global citizens. Under her guidance and vision, the schools in Lexington One provide an array of educational choices designed to prepare this new generation of leaders and global citizens.
Andrea Anthony, executive principal, Page High School, Franklin, Tenn.
Andrea Anthony was recently named the 2013-14 Tennessee Principal of the Year. When she took over the school in 2003, it was a state targeted school for low performance and low achievement. Now it’s a nationally recognized school, having been a recipient of the 2011 National Blue Ribbon Award and the Tennessee Reward School Status for performing in the top 10 percent. Anthony holds two doctorate degrees, one in administration and supervision, and one in law.
Linda Carrillo, principal, PSJA North High School, Pharr, Texas
Linda Carrillo began her tenure at PSJA North High School in August. She previously served for three years as the principal at the College, Career and Technology Academy in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District in Pharr, Texas. Students who attend CCTA are between the ages of 18-26 who have not graduated or have dropped out of school. She has been instrumental in creating a college-going culture and guiding students on a clear path to college. CCTA has been recognized by the Texas Education Agency as a demonstration model for the state and residency programs are provided for both district employees and outside visitors.