Timber Lake, Chamberlain elementary school principals earn honors for outstanding leadership in education

Two elementary school principals from central South Dakota have been recognized by a state association for their “significant contributions to education.”

Timber Lake Elementary School Principal Danae Paxton was among the four finalists for the 2024 National Distinguished Principal for South Dakota award. It was won by Dr. Julie Hatling, Principal at the Belle Fourche School District.

Courtesy photo.

Chamberlain Elementary School Principal Patrick Purdy received the Community Leader of the Year award. Purdy is known for his commitment to bridging the school with its community and actively involves students in local affairs.

Courtesy photo.

The recognitions were presented during the annual South Dakota Principals Conference held last week (June 10-12, 2024) in Deadwood.

Other award winners are:

• Dr. Julie Hatling, Principal at the Belle Fourche School District, was recognized as the 2024 National Distinguished Principal for South Dakota during the evening banquet. Since assuming leadership in 2018 over K-4 education across two attendance centers, Hatling has been instrumental in advancing educational standards and fostering community engagement. She is currently serving as the Vice-President of SDAESP and has led the West River Association of Elementary Principals in the past. Other principals nominated for the award were Mrs. Kim Aman from Simmons Elementary in the Aberdeen Public School District, Mrs. Danae Paxton from Timber Lake and Mrs. Samantha Weaver from Hill City.
• Clint Nelson from Andes Central was honored as the Innovative Leader of the Year. His creation of the Eagle Punch Card Incentive has significantly boosted student accountability and enhanced rapport between students and staff, exemplifying his dedication to educational innovation.
• Jay Swatek, Principal at Tea Area, was recognized as the Instructional Leader of the Year. His leadership philosophy emphasizes the profound impact of teacher-student relationships on student achievement, highlighting the holistic approach to education.
• Tasha Gatzemeyer, Principal at Lincoln Elementary in the Aberdeen Public Schools District, was awarded Rookie of the Year. In her first three years of leadership, she has focused on building a collaborative and student-centered environment, driving continuous improvement.