2010 Division Leadership Award, Mary Hanson

Mary Hanson, principal at Madelia Elementary School, Madelia School District, was nominated for the Southwest MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award by her peers. The award honors principals whose exemplary leadership and sustained efforts have made noteworthy contributions to the operation of effective school learning programs --  improving education, their communities, and their profession.

In her principalship, Hanson sums up her educational philosophy with two quotations:
“It is today we must create the world of the future.”
(Eleanor Roosevelt) 
“To love what you do and feel that it matters, how can anything be more fun?”
(Katherine Graham)

In nominating Hanson for this honor, Todd Holthaus (principal, Hills-Beaver Creek) stated: “Mary Hanson has been chosen to receive the MESPA Leadership Achievement Award for her dedication and efforts that she puts forth for the MESPA membership -- not only in her role with the Southwest Division, but in leading the Educational Advisory Committee at the state level. Her peers are so appreciative of the leadership Mary brings. She is a capable, caring leader. We are fortunate to have Mary represent the Southwest Division.”

To read more about Mary and the award, click here.




Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.

Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education.

Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association
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