Dacey Hughes: Honored as 23-24 Assistant Principal of the Year

Continuing with the celebration of educational excellence, Dacey Hughes, assistant principal at Suncoast Elementary School, has been presented with the prestigious 2024 Assistant Principal of the Year award by the Hernando County School District.

Dacey’s career in the district started in 2007 as a first-grade teacher at Westside Elementary. After that, she worked for a while at Explorer K8, where she dedicated her time to teaching first and fifth grades. In 2016, she embraced a leadership role as the assistant principal at Suncoast Elementary, a position that has now earned her the title of Assistant Principal of the Year.

Hughes expressed her surprise and gratitude, saying, “I never expected to be awarded such an honor. Those who know me know that I’m less comfortable in the spotlight. I focus on doing my best for our students, staff and families.” She emphasized her commitment to supporting students and families, regardless of the scale, and highlighted the strong sense of family within the school staff.

Scott Piesik, principal of Suncoast Elementary, praised Dacey’s leadership, noting her ability to forge genuine relationships with students, staff and families. “Dacey is a strong school leader who builds truly authentic relationships through her interactions with students, staff, and families every day,” Piesik remarked. He underlined her dedication, describing her as an invaluable team member.

Reflecting on their decade-long professional relationship, Piesik recalled being impressed by Dacey’s organizational skills, work ethic and eagerness to learn about school administration when they first worked together. He marveled at her consistent pursuit of leadership opportunities, showcasing her commitment to preparing for the role of assistant principal.

In praising Dacey’s contributions, Superintendent Stratton stated that it was a joy to work with her throughout her career. She has shown tremendous creativity and dedication to her work, attributing it to the growing positive culture of Suncoast Elementary. Recognizing her as a driving force in improving the lives of Hernando County students, Superintendent Stratton highlighted Dacey Hughes as a driving force of positivity within the district.

Dacey Hughes’s journey shows her unwavering commitment to education, her capacity for leadership and her dedication to fostering a positive learning environment. The Assistant Principal of the Year award is not just a recognition of her past achievements but shows the ongoing impact she has on the educational system of Hernando County.