Former Cook County High School graduate Nancy Antoine is a finalist for Minnesota 2021 NAESP National Distinguished Principal

Nancy Antoine

Nancy Lyght Antoine, principal of Bridgewater Elementary School in Northfield Public Schools, and past-president of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA), is one of three finalists for Minnesota 2021 NAESP National Distinguished Principal (NDP). This marks the 37th year that MESPA and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) have presented the prestigious award.

The daughter of Willis and Muriel Lyght, Nancy grew up in Lutsen and graduated from Cook County High School in 1982. Following her graduation from Moorhead State, Nancy began a career in education that has lasted 34 years.

“I have taught elementary school, middle school, high school, and vocational school,” said Nancy, noting that most of the teaching she has done has been in the inner city.

However, she noted the last 25 years she has worked in elementary schools. “Principals are at the heart of what makes school communities go,” said Jon Millerhagen, MESPA executive director. “Everything stems from having a great principal: challenging and appropriate curriculum, student achievement and growth, and a great staff that is constantly pushing itself forward with relevant professional development. Principals don’t get nearly enough credit for all they do, and with the NDP award we get a chance to recognize just a few of the principals in our state doing amazing work every day.” The National Distinguished Principals (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. The program was based on three fundamental ideas: – Children’s attitudes towards learning and their perceptions of themselves as lifelong learners are established in the beginning school years. – The scope and quality of children’s educational experiences are determined primarily by the school principal, who establishes, through the important work of teachers and the support of caring parents, the character of a particular school’s program. – The dedication and enthusiasm of the outstanding principals who guide children’s early education experiences should be acknowledged to both show appreciation for their work as well as to allow them to serve as models for others in the field.

Each year, NDPs represent Pre-K – 8th-grade public schools from all across the country as well as principals in U.S. private schools and those from the United States Departments of Defense Office of Educational Activity and the United States Department of State Office of Overseas Schools. Public school elementary and middle-level principals are nominated by peers in their state, and final selections are made by committees appointed by each of NAESP’s state affiliate offices. Honorees from private schools and overseas schools are selected by special committees. The NDP program is designed to recognize the outstanding leadership of active principals. Criteria established by NAESP require that the individual: – Has been a member of NAESP at the time of nomination and for the past three consecutive years; – Has been a building principal (not assistant principal) for 5 years; – Is clearly committed to excellence; – Has programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students; and – Has firm ties to parents and the community.

Nancy Lyght Antoine was nominated by Chris Bjerklie, principal of J.A. Hughes Elementary, Red Lake Falls Schools, and president of MESPA’s Northern Division. “Nancy has the ability to support and bring out the best in her staff. She works hard to partner with parents so that Bridgewater School Community can support their children,” Bjerklie said. “It is impossible to not recognize the joy her students bring her on a daily basis.” Among her greatest accomplishments as a principal, Antoine is proud to note that she has helped mentor five teachers who have gone on to become principals themselves. Antoine wrote, “These teachers are willing to take risks and try new ideas knowing that they have my total permission and support. I pride myself in providing authentic learning opportunities for these teachers, and they are ready to lead their own building when they leave Bridgewater.” Two of Bridgewater Elementary’s current teachers hold administrative licenses, and one more is on their way. “It’s difficult to lose good teachers,” wrote Antoine, “but it would be a shame to stifle a leader ready to fly.” Dr. Matthew Hillman, superintendent of Northfield Public Schools, wrote, “Mrs. Antoine understands that there must be a foundation of mutual trust and respect for a school community to thrive.” Hillman described how Antoine prioritized basic needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, “She was diligent in supporting the nutritional needs of families. She understood the isolation that the lockdowns caused and distributed care packages to students’ and families’ homes while maintaining a safe distance. This service was second nature to Nancy.” Julie Pritchard, Chair of the Northfield Public Schools Board of Education, has worked with Antoine for ten years. “Nancy never shies away from candid discussions about areas that can be improved,” wrote Pritchard, “She whole-heartedly embraces these opportunities because in her words ‘it will make a difference for kids.’ Beyond the board room walls, I have seen first-hand Nancy’s leadership style…She takes the time to get to know her staff, parents, and students. Her warm and friendly personality serves to create a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.”

A past president of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association, Nancy is the Bridgewater Elementary School Principal. She has served as a highly distinguished administrator for 13 ½ years in the Northfield Public School system.

All nominated principals were reviewed by a statewide selection committee, including representatives from each of MESPA’s 12 geographical divisions; 2020 National Distinguished Principal Bret Domstrand; and Selection Committee Chair Dawn Brown.

On May 7, Antoine and the other two finalists will be interviewed, and the selection committee will determine the 2021 Minnesota National Distinguished Principal. In addition to Antoine, finalists for the honor are Bobbie Johnson, principal at Jie Ming Mandarin Immersion Academy in St. Paul, and Amy Oliver, principal at Monroe Elementary School in Brooklyn Park.