West Area Superintendent Dr. Bridget Williams is the winner of the 2012 Queen Smith Award for her commitment to urban public education. The Queen Smith Award for Commitment to Urban Education was established in October 1998 in celebration of Smith’s unwavering commitment to children, her community, and her church.
Dr. Williams was nominated by colleagues within Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). She is currently dually serving as West Area Superintendent and Associate Superintendent for Specialized Student Support. Next month she will transition to the single role of West Area Superintendent.
Dr. Williams began her OCPS career in 1990 as a math teacher and moved into the administrative ranks fairly quickly. By 2006-2007, she was the principal at Jones High School. In four years, Dr. Williams led her team at Jones from a low-performing school to a high-performing grade of B (seven points shy of an A). The plan she instituted also lowered the dropout rate at Jones from 12.2 percent to 0.03 percent.
A coworker at OCPS said of Williams, “As principal of Jones High School, Bridget left a permanent mark on the entire community. She is a highly-recognized and respected educator with faith-based and business leaders … most recently, Bridget coordinated a summer-school collaboration between the City of Orlando and Orange County Public Schools that extended summer tutoring beyond school walls into city recreational centers. The program was such a big success that the city and the district are in negotiations to continue this partnership year round.”
Dr. Williams will be awarded a $2,000 check and a plaque honoring her significant contributions to education. The presentation will be October 19, 2012 at the Council of the Great City Schools 56th Annual Fall Conference, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The award’s namesake, Queen Smith, joined Macmillan/McGraw-Hill School Publishing Company in June 1989. During the last several years of her life, she was a major presence in the Council of the Great City Schools and was Chair of the Urban Education Technology Forum (UETF) section of the Council. She was also active in the National Alliance of Black School Educators.
Congratulations, Dr. Williams. You deserve this award,and you earned it.
This recognition is well deserved and carries on your family’s long-time tradition of excellence in education. You often honor others, especially our children and youth. It is your turn! Congratulations!
Hard work has it’s reward! The Bible encourages us in Galatians 6:9:”Be not weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not”. It’s your season, you deserve it, Be Blessed!
I’m not surprised at all! You truly deserve it!
Congratulations. You are truly a role model for many up and coming administrators. Thanks for setting the BAR.
Congratulations Dr. Williams! You come from a strong family of tradition and service. Your work within the community will leave a lasting legacy for all those whose life you have touched.
Coach K.H.
Congratulations, Dr. Williams! It was an honor to work for you for four years. You continue to excel and I wish you the best! Love, QN.
Dr. Williams you are the best and I want to congratulate you on this accomplishment. Your work is paying off for you.
Congratulations Dr. Williams you are truly deserving of this award. You have done sooo much for the Jones High community. You have also been a truly highly respected woman in my life. Thank you for giving back letting so many know that there is a way out of no way.
I was a member of Jones High SAC when Dr. Bridget Williams became Principal. I found that she loved the students and loved the school and obviously did a great job there. Congratulation Dr. Williams, you deserve this award.
I know everyone is so proud of you! Great Job!
I do not know you personally, but after hearing so much praise from those who do,I feel you truely deserve this award. Congratulations Dr. Williams.
Dr.Williams, I want to congratulate you on this wonderful accomplishment. Most of all I would like to say you are very humble and kind. In all these blessings by God’s hand, you always stop to speak and have a smile for others. You are a true example. May God continue to shine upon you and give you favor.
Congratulation! Am so happy for you. When I look back to 1996 at Gotha Middle, and see where God brought you. Tears of joy because I know you work hard and you will continue to work hard. May the blessing of God continue to be with and your family. Love you, Giovanny Scatliffe
Congratulations Dr.Williams. Tears of joy for you. Maritza Rodriguez
Congratulations, Dr. Willams! What an outstanding honor! Proud to know you will be returning to the WLC.
October 10,2012
Dr. Williams you are truly a blessing to the people you work with. You always encourge other to reach for the high stars in the sky, the ones that shine bright. The bible says to let your light shine that others may see your good work. you’re doing good, so don’t stop shining.
Congratulations
Mary D.
Congratulations!