Nov. 4, 2024 – Principal Vincent Hall was astounded when he entered the school gym to see his family, students, staff, colleagues, district leaders, and a whole drumline erupting in song, dance, and cheers.
With tears in his eyes, the long-time educator received the surprise announcement that he had been selected as the district’s Principal of the Year.
The Raines High principal expressed his gratitude and shock.
But it should come as no surprise to Hall, who began his career with Duval County Public Schools as an English teacher at Wolfson High School. Over the course of his nearly 30-year career, he has served as principal of three schools, which have all seen increases in their letter grade during his tenure.
“Mr. Vincent Hall is a resolute, impactful, and visionary educator,” shared Region Superintendent Timothy Simmons, who described Hall as a mentor and father figure. “His intuition coupled with experience and commitment to students is unrivaled. This consummate leader of thousands of students and hundreds of faculties and staff provides an engaging, fun, yet serious learning environment for all. He has improved the letter grade of every school he has led, including William M. Raines to its first “B” in school history.”
Just 15 minutes away at Ramona Boulevard Elementary, Assistant Principal Daniel Sapp Jr. was about to receive the same surprise.
He walked down the main corridor that he’s walked down every day since 2018 when he first came to the school as an assistant principal.
Only this time there was a red carpet. And the hallway was lined with cheering students, teachers, staff, district leaders, and his family, all there to share the good news -- he was this year’s Assistant Principal of the Year.
“Mr. Sapp has made a profound impact on our school community through his unwavering commitment to student success and his ability to foster a positive and inclusive environment,” shared Ramona Boulevard Principal DeVonne Lampkin. “He has played a pivotal role in implementing programs that promote social-emotional learning, enhance academic achievement, and encourage family engagement.”
Lampkin highlighted Sapp for developing a “Student of the Month” initiative which recognizes students based on character traits.
“This initiative not only improved student engagement but also fostered a sense of community among students, teachers, and parents,” expressed Lampkin. “The positive feedback we have received from students and staff alike speaks volumes about his ability to connect with everyone in our school community.”
Both Hall and Sapp were among several great finalists for the honors.
The finalists for Principal of the Year were:
JeniferCrady, Southside Middle School
Vincent R. Hall, William M Raines High
Dr. Devonne Lampkin, Ramona Boulevard Elementary
Ashton Price, Parkwood Heights Elementary
Michelle Walsh, Lake Lucina Elementary
The finalists for Assistant Principal of the Year were:
Kimberly Copeland, Duval Detention Center
Vincent H. Hall, Springfield Middle
Jason McDaniel, Venetia Elementary
Daniel Sapp Jr., Ramona Boulevard Elementary
TammyTaylor, Brookview Elementary
Hall and Sapp will now represent the district for Florida’s Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year, sponsored by the Florida Education Foundation.