From left to right: Bob Nave, Victoria Aguilar, Sean Downing, and Ken Kenworthy

OKEECHOBEE-In a ceremony on April 27, Osceola Middle School principal Sean Downing was recognized by Florida TaxWatch with a Principal Leadership Award for outstanding sustaining improvement in student performance.

The initiative identifies principals around Florida who have had the greatest impact on their students, in parts of the state where educational success can transform a community.

That recognition also comes with the opportunity for Downing to select a student to receive a two-year Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan scholarship.

Downing selected OMS seventh grader Victoria Aguilar as his choice to receive the scholarship.

“I went to my leadership team and asked them for students that we have that are truly exceptional at what they do,” explained Downing. “And one name came up. So I started asking some questions, talking to some teachers. And they gave me one young lady’s name. They said she’s sharp and exceptional. She signs up and wants to be here everyday.”

Victoria was presented with a certificate from Florida Tax Watch at the end of the ceremony, which was held in the OMS gym and attended by her classmates, Florida TaxWatch senior vice president of research Bob Nave, and Okeechobee superintendent of schools Ken Kenworthy.

“Congratulations to Victoria,” said Kenworthy. “We appreciate everything you have done. You’ve just inherited the gift of a lifetime. The will impact you the rest of your life and we can’t wait to see what you do with it.”