Stan Hays, Camp McToureous' Bechtel Elementary School principal, is the 2004 Department of Defense Education Activity, Principal of the Year. (Courtesy of DODDS)
Stan Hays, principal of Bechtel Elementary School at Camp McToureous on Okinawa, was selected Tuesday as the 2004 Department of Defense Education Activity Principal of the Year.
The annual award “recognizes outstanding principals who have succeeded in providing high- quality learning opportunities for students,” said Dr. Gayle Vaughn-Wiles, Department of Defense Dependents Schools Okinawa superintendent.
Hays, 57, credits the Bechtel staff, teachers and the military community for winning the award.
“I’m definitely not in this business for the money,” Hays said. “My joy is seeing the progress of students, learning from them and watching teachers growing.”
“This is a great honor for Stan,” Vaughn-Wiles said. “He competed with 51 DODEA principals from all over the world and was chosen as the best.”
Gail Wiley, a Bechtel assistant principal, said Hays is an excellent educator who cares about improving students and the school process.
“He’s training me to be a principal, and I know he cares about kids and their success,” Wiley said.
Hays said a key ingredient for receiving the award was providing a quality education for students in a nurturing environment.
“The kids are our future, they are the reason we’re here, and it’s our job make them believe in themselves.”
