Desiree Olsen Honored with National Award

April 7th, 2025 /
Spencer Tuinei /
Edgemont, Elementary School, News, Recognitions and Awards, Schools

Edgemont Elementary Assistant Principal Desiree Olsen Honored with National Outstanding Assistant Principal Award

Students celebrated with cheers of applause this morning as the National Outstanding Assistant Principal representatives visited Edgemont Elementary to honor Assistant Principal Desiree Olsen with the National Outstanding Assistant Principal (NOAP) award—one of the highest recognitions for school leaders in the country.

Awarded annually by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), the NOAP honor recognizes at most one assistant principal per state who demonstrate exceptional leadership, foster high standards for students and staff, and contribute meaningfully to schoolwide success. Nominees must be NAESP members with at least two years of experience in the role. Fewer than 40 recipients are selected nationwide each year, with honorees nominated by peers and vetted by state-level committees.

Olsen’s recognition arrives during a breakout year for Edgemont. The school was recently named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education—a distinction given to schools that excel in academic achievement or make notable progress in closing performance gaps. While all staff, students, and families at Edgemont are united in uplifting their school, Desiree Olsen has been instrumental in making Edgemont Elementary a beacon for growth and education in our city. Thank you, Desiree, for your unwavering efforts, and congratulations on your national recognition.