Da’Anne Lipscomb recently was surprised at a student/faculty pep rally to celebrate her recognition as EBR’s 2008-2009 Elementary Principal of the Year.  At La Belle Aire Elementary School, students, parents, faculty and staff, Belaire High School’s Drum Corp and Central Office administrators lined the courtyard at the school for the event.  Colorful signs and banners with sentiments from “Great Leader” and  “Congratulations Lady L U R D Best” to “We’re Proud of You” and “We Love Our Principal” were on full display for Lipscomb to see.

Lipscomb, who thought she was going to perform a classroom observation with her area superintendent and supervisor, noticed children out in the courtyard and immediately came out to investigate, only to find out that it was in fact a celebration for her recent award.  As she entered the courtyard, the crowd roared with cheers, chants and drum beats.  Grins and wide smiles were in ample supply on the faces of the La Belle Aire students.

Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services – Area IV Paula Johnson, also on hand for the morning’s event, said of Lipscomb ”She is one the finest principals in EBR.  She is proactive and engages her faculty in collaboration to ensure better opportunities for students and to increase student outcomes.”