Williamsville native named principal of the year in Virginia county

Stewar t

Eric Stewart, a graduate of Williamsville North High School, was recently named the recipient of the 2007 Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award for Loudoun County, Va.

Stewart is the principal of Smart's Mill Middle School in Leesburg, Va. He was also named Principal of the Year for Loudoun County.

He has been Smart's Mill's principal since its opening in 2004.

He was recognized as being an effective manager, taking risks and encouraging innovation in curriculum and for being vested in the students' education.

"In schools where Eric Stewart has been principal, great things have happened and are happening. No detail is ever overlooked. He spends countless hours at night, on weekends, and before and after school planning, monitoring and evaluating the operation of Smart's Mill. Eric Stewart believes that the two most important factors that impact student achievement are the school climate and the quality of instruction. He manages and administrates to ensure that these elements are both present and effective," the nomination form, completed by the school's assistant principal and PTA members, read.

The Smart's Mill Middle School posted an article online, detailing the nomination and recognition of the award, at http://cmsweb1.loudoun.k12.va.us/smarts.

Stewart is the son of Ken and Ardis Stewart of Williamsville. He also attended Heim Elementary and middle schools.

He holds a bachelor's degree in secondary education from the University of Kentucky and a master's in curriculum and instruction from George Mason University. He was hired as a math teacher at Loudoun County High School, before being named dean at Broad Run High School, an assistant principal at J. Lupton Simpson Middle School and then principal at Sully Elementary. In 2004 he was named principal of Smart's Mill Middle School.