Patty Martin: Honored as the 23-24 Principal of the Year

In a recent Hernando County school board meeting, the spotlight shone on educational excellence as the 2023–2024 Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year were honored for their outstanding contributions to the academic community. The presentation was a significant occasion, highlighting these educational leaders’ dedication and transformative impact.

The prestigious Principal of the Year award for the 2023–2024 academic year was bestowed upon Patty Martin, who has been an integral part of the Hernando County school system for an impressive 23 years. Patty’s unwavering dedication to student achievement and ongoing improvement has been a defining characteristic of her career in education.

During the presentation, it was emphasized that Patty moved into administration in 2013 and took on the role of principal at Moton Elementary in 2018. Over the past decade, her dedication to fostering a culture of continuous improvement has played a pivotal role in the school’s success. Under Patty’s leadership, Moton Elementary achieved a remarkable transformation, earning a B rating from the Florida Department of Education for the 2023 school year.

Superintendent Stratton commended Patty’s tenacity, recalling their association dating back to 2005. He praised her leadership at Moton Elementary, highlighting her ability to develop a strong and supportive school culture. Patty’s forthright communication and exceptional leadership were acknowledged as key elements in Moton Elementary’s journey from a struggling school to one where instructional excellence thrives.

Expressing her gratitude, Patty Martin shared her reflections on the recognition, stating, “I stand before you today with profound gratitude and humility.” A product of the Hernando County school system herself, Patty acknowledged the deep personal connection she has to the community, with her family members also benefiting from the same educational system.

Patty’s passion for education and commitment to her community were evident in her heartfelt words. She thanked her daughters, Alexis and Lacey, for their support and highlighted the collaborative effort of her team at Moton Elementary. According to Patty, Moton is more than a school building; it’s a second home where hard work is the norm and futures are shaped every day.

The Principal of the Year award, Patty emphasized, is a collective achievement that belongs to her entire team, including Assistant Principal Alexa Neal, the leadership team, teachers and staff. She expressed gratitude for the dedication of educators who chose to step out of their comfort zones to contribute to Moton’s success.

Despite facing challenges such as changing state standards and assessments and the impact of COVID-19, Patty and her team’s perseverance paid off. For the first time in 13 years, the FLDOE recognized Moton Elementary School as a B school.

In closing, Patty Martin expressed her excitement about the continued growth and success ahead. Her commitment to representing Hernando High well reflects the spirit of excellence that defines the Principal of the Year. The celebration of Patty’s achievements serves as an inspiration for educators and students alike, reinforcing the transformative power of dedication and collaboration in the field of education.