The cheers could be heard around the block as Sudduth Elementary pre-K, kindergarten and first grade students celebrated their favorite principal for her statewide honor on Wednesday in the Sudduth Gym.
Sudduth principal Morgan Abraham was selected by the Mississippi Association of Elementary School Administrators as Mississippi’s winner of the National Distinguished Principal program for elementary school principals. She will represent the state of Mississippi in October at the National Distinguished Principal program. The student body and staff at Sudduth surprised Abraham with a special announcement assembly Wednesday to inform her about the award.
“I’m just so surprised,” Abraham said after the assembly. “I want to extend heartfelt gratitude for being nominated for this award. It is truly an honor to be selected as Mississippi’s representative in the National Distinguished Principal program, and I look forward to collaborating with other winners from around the country to advocate for educators and students.”
The NDP program was established in 1984 to recognize elementary and middle level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character and climate for the students, families and staff in their learning communities. Public school elementary and middle level principals are nominated by peers in their respective states, and selections are made by appointed committees in each state-level affiliate of the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
“Dr. Abraham is very deserving of this state-wide award, and we are very proud of her,” SOCSD Superintendent Tony McGee said. “As principal for our pre-K through first grade students at Sudduth, she has worked with her staff to create a vibrant learning environment for our youngest Yellow Jackets to begin their educational journey, and each day sets our boys and girls on a path to excellence.”
Abraham joined SOCSD in 2019 as principal at Sudduth Elementary and has shepherded the school through the successful implementation of a pre-K program, MakerSpace, playground redesign and building renovations and has worked with families as the district transitioned to a modified calendar.
During her tenure, she has fostered a 21st century approach to early learning using multi-sensory instruction where teachers engage students through sight, hearing, movement and touch to help them connect to what they are learning. In addition, Abraham has a commitment to developing community partnerships that can create opportunities for students. In 2021, the Sudduth Seeds Garden, a partnership with the Oktibbeha County Master Gardeners, received the Governor’s Award for partnership excellence for the creation of a learning garden on the Sudduth campus.
“I am so fortunate to be surrounded by so many wonderful educators at Sudduth, not to mention our amazing students and their families,” Abraham said. “We are blessed as so many of our families and other community members are engaged in helping Sudduth succeed and creating a safe and fun place for our students to thrive.”
Prior to joining SOCSD, Abraham worked in the Tupelo School District as a kindergarten teacher, instructional coach and assistant principal.
Through her experience in multiple roles, from the classroom to mentoring other teachers to leading at the building level, she has gained insight into the needs of younger students and the expectations of their parents. In December 2023, Abraham earned her doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi.
“One of the things I appreciate the most about Dr. Abraham is her consistency,” Karis Cobb, a first-grade teacher at Sudduth, said. “She is consistent in the way she advocates for her teachers and students, consistent in finding the best resources and support for her school and consistent in continuing her education, so she can be a better principal for her school. Most of all, she works diligently to consistently make Sudduth a better place to work and learn.”
Abraham will travel to Washington, D.C., to represent the state at the NDP award event in October. She will have the opportunity to network, share best practices and learn from other state winners from around the country.
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