INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Two school leaders were recently recognized for their contributions to the academic and personal development and growth of local students.
Hilary Poole, Assistant Principal at Storm Grove Middle School, announced as District Assistant Principal of the Year
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF IRC
School District officials on Wednesday announced Hilary Poole as the 2019-2020 Assistant Principal of the Year and Cindy Emerson as the 2019-2020 Principal of the Year. Both have extensive backgrounds in education and are known for establishing real connections with students and staff members.
Poole is the assistant principal at Storm Grove Middle School; Emerson is the principal at Vero Beach Elementary.
Cindy Emerson, Principal at Vero Beach Elementary, announced as District Principal of the Year
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF IRC
“I’m overwhelmed with the positive support and love that I have received,” Emerson said in a statement. “Our tribe has an undying passion for doing what’s best for students and I’m so humbled to get the opportunity to share that vibe with the entire community. We are excited to showcase the magic and innovation that is taking place at Vero Beach Elementary, and I couldn’t be more proud to lead with this amazing team of educators, by my side.”
Schools superintendent Mark Rendell described Poole as a “school leader who puts students first, above all else.”
“He builds a rapport with students that is based on a caring, but demanding relationship, as he always holds them to high expectations for personal conduct and academic performance,” Rendell said in a statement. “With his strong work ethic and commitment to educating students, he has been able to gain the trust and respect of the educators he works with. He is making a positive impact at Storm Grove Middle School, just as he did at Vero Beach High School.”
Rendell described Emerson as an “inspirational leader.”
“She has transformed Vero Beach Elementary. Her passion for her students’ success and well-being is unmatched,” Rendell said in a statement. “She is innovative and creative – always looking for ways to support her students and her teachers. She has developed strong relationships with community organizations and has brought in outside resources to enhance the learning environment at Vero Beach Elementary.”
Co-workers gave similar statements when asked about the two school leaders.
Storm Grove Principal Anne Beiber said Poole is not only dedicated to helping where he can, but also to continuing to learn and grow himself.
“He loves to dig into data and is always asking, ‘what do you need, what else can I do?'” Beiber said in a statement. “I look forward to seeing where his career takes him; I know it will be far and that is a great benefit to Indian River County students.”
Vero Beach Elementary Fourth Grade Teacher Katelyn Fiori said Emerson exudes energy and positivity.
“People just love being here, and that is a product of Cindy’s attention to detail and customer service,” Fiori said in a statement. “What I love most about Cindy is her belief in the tribe. She sees the best in each of us, and is tenacious in helping us reach our fullest potential.”
Background on Poole
Poole is a graduate of Bethune Cookman University and has a Master’s degree in Education Leadership from the American College of Leadership, school officials said. Before joining the local school district, Poole had several coaching and instructing jobs – including Dean of Students – at schools in St. Lucie County.
Poole continued his career path in Indian River County in 2015 as a student support specialist at Vero Beach High School. He then became the assistant principal at the high school.
Poole transferred to Storm Grove Middle School, where he serves as assistant principal. At the middle school, Poole builds relationships with more than 1,000 students and 91 staff members every day, officials said.
Poole is a proud husband to Nikki Poole, who also serves as an assistant principal at a school in St. Lucie County, officials said. Poole has a daughter, Rayna, enrolled in kindergarten at a St. Lucie County school.
His mother, Rita Poole, is a retired school administrator from Brevard County.
Background on Emerson
Emerson is a University of Florida graduate, school officials said. She started at the school district in 2006 as an 8th grade history teacher at Sebastian River Middle School.
Emerson has also served as assistant principal of Sebastian River Middle School. She has taught several classes – including pre-AP U.S. History – at Storm Grove Middle School, and has served as the Social Studies Department Chair and pre-AP coordinator.
Officials said Emerson – who is currently the principal at Vero Elementary – is the “lead learner” and inspiration for more than 619 students and 100 staff members.
Emerson is a proud wife to Sean Emerson. She has two sons – Aiden, who is in kindergarten at Vero Beach Elementary, and Austin, a 7th grader at Sebastian River Middle School.
Photos provided by School District of Indian River County
