The Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) recognized Joleen DeLaHunt, principal of Menahga Elementary, Menahga School District (ISD #821), with the 2011 MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award. Principals are responsible for a school’s instructional, school culture, and resource leadership. 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. She will be recognized by colleagues statewide on February 10, 2011 at the MESPA Awards Banquet – held at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel during the annual MESPA Institute, the statewide convention of Minnesota’s elementary and middle level principals.

In her principalship, DeLaHunt follows the philosophy of Joel Arthur Barker: “Vision without action is merely a dream; action without vision just passes the time; vision with action can change the world.” She also is inspired by the philosophy of Anatole France (French novelist, 1844-1924): “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”

DeLaHunt believes: “We must dream about what kind of school we want to be a part of. Then we craft a plan for achieving that goal. We must believe in ourselves as effective educators who can positively impact the lives of children. Most importantly, we must believe that all children can and will learn.”