DoDEA

Richard R. Alix

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA — October 11, 2007 — Richard R. Alix, Principal of Naples Elementary School in Naples, Italy, and DoDEA's 2007 National Distinguished Principal, will be among the 61 outstanding elementary and middle school principals from across the country and abroad honored at an awards banquet sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the U.S. Department of Education at Washington D.C.'s Capital Hilton Hotel on October 19.

In addition to being honored as the DoDEA nominee to the 2007 National Distinguished Principals Program, Alix was named as the 2007 DoDEA Principal of the Year for Elementary and Middle Schools.

The National Distinguished Principals Program was established in 1984 as annual event to honor exemplary elementary and middle school principals who set the pace, character, and quality of the education children receive during their early school years. The program is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and NAESP in corporate sponsorship with the American International Group Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (AIG VALIC).

One principal is chosen annually from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Principals representing private K-8 schools, Department of Defense Dependents' Schools and the U.S. Department of State Overseas Schools are also recognized.

Alix has worked for DoDEA schools for more than 26 years, initially as a teacher, then as an Education Program Manager, Assistant Principal, and in his current position as Principal. His career has taken him to Germany, Japan, Iceland, and Italy. Alix received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wadhams Hall Seminary College in Ogdensburg, New York and a Masters of Science from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

A constant, dedicated commitment to School Improvement Planning, staff development, communications, training, engaging an adult learning community, understanding data and community involvement are the hallmarks of Alix's educational philosophy. Alix's philosophy is the key to his accomplishments in building a high-achieving school community.

"Rich is a leader who keeps the focus on learning and involves himself in every aspect of his school," said Dr. Joe Tafoya, Director of DoDEA. "His character, competence and compassion have earned him the complete respect of parents, his school staff and our administration," he said.

DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages the education programs for Department of Defense (DoD) dependents who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality public education. DoDEA consists of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) located overseas, and the Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS) located in the United States and its territories and possessions. DoDEA provides education to eligible DoD military and civilian dependents from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A list of the 2007 NDPs can be accessed at http://www.naesp.org/ContentLoad.do?contentId=2337/.

For biographical information about the principals and information about he program, or to request an interview while the principal are in Washington, D.C., call Raven Padgett or Kaylen Tucker, at NAESP, (703) 684-3345 or 800-386-2377. On Oct. 18-19, call the NAESP Press Room at the Capitol Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. at (202) 393-1000.