Palmetto Bay’s annual Principal’s Welcome Breakfast was held this morning, and during the event Miami Palmetto Senior High School Principal Victoria Dobbs was honored with this year’s Greg Zawyer Principal of the Year Award.
Principal Dobbs has worked at MPSH since 2006, serving first as an Assistant Principal before her promotion to Principal in 2015. In addition to overseeing over 2,700 students, Principal Dobbs was commended by Mayor Karyn Cunningham for being an effective leader during an extensive five-year construction and renovation project which lasted through the COVID pandemic. “You really have been the consistent calm at that school,” Mayor Cunningham said, “not only for the students, but also for the parents, the teachers, and the staff during these transitions.” She added, “You have made a remarkable imprint not only on Palmetto but also on the greater community, and we’re very appreciative of your service and your time and talent.”
Rafael Villalobos, South Region Superintendent for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, also recognized the hardships Principal Dobbs endured during the long construction period at her school. “But through it all, you have weathered the storm gracefully,” he said. “You have opened your doors to children and parents and community members, and for that we are grateful. We thank you because you are a true change agent of children and our community.”
After accepting the award, Principal Dobbs said, “It’s a great honor, and it’s a wonderful experience to be able to work in a community where you’re surrounded by amazing schools.” She then recognized the Mayor and School Board members for inspiring her with their passion for education. “After you’ve been in the system for 32 years, it’s nice to be surrounded by people who are excited by what they do every day, because it’s not always easy. But if you love kids and you love to see their successes and your teachers’ successes, that’s what keeps you going.”
First presented in 2020, the Greg Zawyer Principal of the Year Award is bestowed upon the principal in Palmetto Bay who has gone above and beyond the call of duty while serving in their role. Nominations are chosen from those who demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to education. The award’s first recipient was Greg Zawyer himself, who served the students and parents of the Miami-Dade County School System for over 40 years and was founding principal of three different high schools. “He is an amazing mentor and an amazing man,” said Mayor Cunningham, “and if he has touched your life, you will truly know that.”
During the elegant breakfast at Ludovici Park, guests heard remarks from Mayor Karyn Cunningham; Miami-Dade County District 9 School Board Member Luisa Santos; Palmetto Bay Education Advisory Council Chair Diane Quick; CIO/CTO/IT Director of Westminster Christian School Omar Valerio; Lt. Antonio Rodriguez and Sgt. Luis Rubio of Palmetto Bay’s Policing Unit, and Parks & Recreation Director Fanny Carmona.
