Four Seasons Elementary School Principal Sharon Ferralli has been named a recipient of the Distinguished Educational Leadership Award (DELA) by The Washington Post. Ferralli is one of 18 principals representing Washington-area school districts to receive the award.
The DELA recognizes “those principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment.” From managing a stressful student redistricting situation to ensuring that advanced technology is available to students, Ferralli has shown a keen ability to manage challenges whilst implementing innovative programs that encourages student potential and creates pride in the overall school community.
“Her leadership has resulted in increased student achievement, greater teacher capacity, and expanded parental and community involvement,” said Regional Assistant Superintendent Donna Cianfrani, who oversees all of the schools in the Arundel Cluster, including Four Seasons. “(She has) an ability to provide unwavering leadership and continuous professional development (that is) hyper-focused on student success.”
Ferralli has spent 38 years in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, and has been at Four Seasons Elementary since 2005. Before that, she was the principal at Lake Shore Elementary School for five years.
Emma Williams, a fifth-grade student at Four Seasons, wrote a letter supporting Ferralli’s nomination in which she echoed the sentiments that have been shared by numerous AACPS administrators, educational colleagues, and parents with whom Ferralli has worked.
“My principal Mrs. Ferralli is the reason I love school,” Emma wrote. “She makes my school an awesome learning place with wonderful teachers that love teaching! (She) is the best principal ever! No one will ever beat her kindness.”