Students and staff at Freedom Elementary helped Assistant Principal Margaret Ploof celebrate Tuesday – and the most difficult part of the morning may have been keeping the reason for that celebration a secret.
The Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals (OAESP) has named Ploof the OAESP Oklahoma Assistant Principal of the Year and Oklahoma’s representative to the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Outstanding Assistant Principal, honoring those who make extraordinary contributions to their school. Glen Abshere, OAESP executive director, made the formal announcement Tuesday during Freedom Elementary’s morning assembly, where he bestowed sash, crown and title before an appreciative audience.
While the announcement was a surprise to Ploof, there were a lot of people in the gymnasium who knew it was coming.
“It was hard to keep quiet,” said Freedom Elementary Principal Sara Breeze of the lengths some in the district had to go to plan the formal announcement, without alerting Ploof that something was afoot.
Those people included Ploof’s family, said her mother, Molly Santos-Buckley, explaining family members knew for weeks the selection had been made, but couldn’t say anything. Santos-Buckley said that family included Ploof’s sister Catherine Buckley-Beck (who admits to having trouble keeping secrets) as well as the “littles” in the family. It was hard to know and not tell, said Santos-Buckley, smiling proudly.
But, everyone did their job.
“I didn’t know,” Ploof said, of the announcement that drew cheers and applause from students and staff at Tuesday’s assembly.
Ploof – who comes from a family of educators – was full of praise for the students and staff at Freedom, “this massive building we call home.”
“Thank you for listening to me and believing in me,” she said.
Ploof said she was thankful for the opportunity to watch the school’s students grow, adding she still maintains relationships with some students who have since gone on to higher grades. That included four members of her final third-grade class, who brought flowers to their former teacher to mark Tuesday’s special occasion.
OAESP said the award is intended to promote leadership in elementary education by recognizing those who have made extraordinary contributions to their schools through programs that exemplify the highest standards and promote student achievement. Local officials said Ploof easily fits the criteria.
“She leads with an unwavering heart, quiet humility, and an unshakeable belief in the power of education,” said Breeze. “When others see roadblocks, Mrs. Ploof builds bridges: always bringing calmness, clarity, collaboration, and courage to move our school family forward. Her leadership doesn’t just support excellence; it DEFINES it. I am grateful to stand and serve beside such a wonderful professional.”
“Margaret takes on every task with a positive attitude and servant leader’s heart,“ said Lesa Sparks, Lawton Public Schools executive director of elementary schools. “No matter what is asked of her, she gives 100%, often exceeding expectations. Her support, leadership, and dedication make a lasting impact not only at her school but also for the entire district.”
“Mrs. Ploof exemplifies the true spirit of an educator and servant leader,” said Lawton Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Hime. “With a deep understanding of her students’ unique needs, she goes above and beyond to ensure that each one feels seen, valued, and supported. She is a source of inspiration and exceptionally deserving of this prestigious award.”
District administrators said Ploof lives by a simple but powerful belief: kids come first – always, and she is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn and succeed. Initiatives that she supports include Bubble Day, in celebration of Autism Awareness Month; schoolwide parades honoring the Month of the Military Child; and recognition of parents who are veterans and active-duty members of the armed forces.
She also was instrumental in the addition of an adaptive behavior Pre-K class designed to support students with behavioral needs, meaning those children enter kindergarten better prepared and are experiencing greater academic success.
Ploof will be recognized at the OAESP Leadership Conference later this month; the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) Summer Leadership Conference in May; and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National School Leaders Conference in July in Orlando, Florida.