Glen Allen Elementary School principal receives REB Award for instructional leadership

Melissa Halquist-Pruden, principal of Henrico County’s Glen Allen Elementary School, has been awarded the 2016-17 REB Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership. The Community Foundation presents the award to four principals annually – one each from the school systems of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties and one from the city of Richmond schools.

The award recognizes principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their jobs to create an exceptional educational environment. The award stresses management and communication skills, and the ability to inspire, encourage and advocate for the school. It includes $7,500 for personal development and an additional $7,500 for school projects of the recipient’s choosing.

“I’m very humbled by this,” Halquist-Pruden said to teachers and school leaders who surprised her at the school. “You make this even more special and I’m glad you can share it with me. It’s your hard work that makes my job easier. This is for all of us.”

Halquist-Pruden has been with Henrico County Public Schools since 1994. She became principal at Glen Allen in 2011. She previously worked as a teacher at Glen Lea Elementary School; a school counselor at Longan Elementary School; a resource teacher at Trevvett Elementary School; and as assistant principal and associate principal at Short Pump Elementary School. She is originally from Virginia Beach.