I’ve recently had the chance to interview Dr. Robinson, the principal here at Santaluces, about what being named Principal of the Year means to her. Here are her responses:

How did you feel when you first found out that you were named Principal of the Year?

“I was shocked. I was really speechless, and I’m never speechless. I can always come up with a response, but I was shocked and very honored because we have a lot of great principles in this district. So, to receive this reward is pretty, pretty amazing.”

What advice would you give to other principals or educators who look up to you?

“I think we all do what’s best for kids. I think I put that at the forefront of everything that I do. So every decision that I make. I do what’s in the best interest of our students, to make sure that we’re meeting their needs academically, socially, emotionally, and making the environment conducive, you know, fun activities. I think it all plays a role but just making sure you’re supporting your students as well as your teachers and your staff members because, of course, they’re kind of  boots on the ground, making sure everything’s happening around campus.”

What does this award mean to you personally and professionally?

“Well, I mean professionally, you know, this is my 28th year in education, my 12th year as the principal at Santaluces and my 16th year as a principal, overall. So, when I got into education and when I was a classroom teacher, I loved being in the classroom. I loved teaching my students, but I felt as though I could make a bigger impact by working outside of the classroom so I was an assistant principal and became a principal. So, I mean, it’s been very rewarding and it’s like full circle with all your work and energy that goes into the job. You know, obviously you’re being recognized and we’re in an A-rated school. So, our students are performing well. Our teachers are performing well, so it’s really a win-win across the board. And then, personally, when you graduate from high school and you go to college and you get a degree, you start working and you just want to make sure that you fulfill whatever your goals are in life. And I think I’m doing a pretty decent job at them.”

Can you share a memorable moment from your time as a principal that you’re especially proud of?

“Oh my god, there’s so many. There’s so many, but I guess the most recent that’s on my brain right now would be us, you know, being able to be rated an A-rated school, you know, for the demographic of students that we serve, it’s a big deal. You know, it’s a big deal for the students, the community and for everyone, something to really be proud of and a part of.”

How did your students and teachers react when they heard the news?

“They were excited. It was a pretty cool presentation in the gym. The band was there, the cheerleaders, a lot of other students, staff, my administrators, so it was really cool. I think everyone was excited.”

If you could dedicate this award to someone, who would it be and why?

“If I had to, it would probably be my mom, because my mom, I don’t know if you’re aware, but she passed away in December of last year, and she lived with me for 12 years when she became elderly. And she saw how hard I worked. Yeah, no. She’ll be so proud of me. She is proud of me.”