PAHOKEE — The School District of Palm Beach County, along with the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, honored  Dwayne Dennard as the 2023 Principal of the Year during the second-annual Celebrate the Great awards ceremony. Mr. Dennard is the proud principal of Pahokee Middle-Senior High School (PMSHS). He works diligently to see the campus as an incomparable school dedicated to preparing all students to be socially accountable lifelong learners who are primed for college and career in a globally competitive world. Through his leadership, PMSHS offers multiple opportunities for all students to engage in high-quality learning experiences, in addition to receiving the guidance they need to pursue their college and career goals.

In August 2016, Mr. Dennard was named the principal of Pahokee Middle School where he implemented the robotics program that has become one of the county’s top-notch programs today. The robotics program was recognized by then Senator Nelson for making the state finals in their first year and 2 years later, the program was recognized globally by NASA scientists for solving one of the issues that plagued our astronauts in future missions to Mars. Principal Dennard would go on to be appointed principal of both campuses bringing Pahokee Middle High School (PMSHS) under one administrative leader. During his current time as principal of PMSHS, the school received numerous awards and recognitions.

In addition to recognition and awards, Principal Dennard’s administration team has also drastically improved the overall academic data. IB diplomas went from 0 in previous years to currently 43 and double digit IB diplomas awarded to students for three consecutive years. AICE exams went from no student ever passing to over 120 AICE exams passed. During the pandemic, PMHS was recognized as one of the schools to maintain statistical state testing excellence. This past year, PMHS, graded by grades 6-12, missed being rated as a “B” school by less than 1% by the Florida Department of Education. However, the most important focus for Principal Dennard is the school’s graduation rate. Every year, his administrative team and staff set a new graduation record for PMSHS. In 2018, the school’s graduation rate was 95%, in 2019 96%, in 2020 98% and in 2021, the school was tied for second in the district at 99%. The Class of 2022 made history by achieving a 100% graduation rate. Principal Dennard stated, “Every day that we’re on the job, we’re here as an educator, a motivator, and we have to be a positive role model for every single one of our students.”