By Bay District Schools
Hutchison Beach Elementary School is making waves…again. This time, it’s for earning one of the most prestigious distinctions in education: designation as a Leader in Me Legacy School by FranklinCovey Education. The honor, awarded to just a select few schools across the nation, recognizes campuses that have fully embraced and sustained a culture of student leadership, academic excellence, and whole-child development.
This milestone places Hutchison Beach in elite company, becoming only the third school in Florida to achieve Legacy status and joining the top ranks of Leader in Me schools nationwide.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” said Principal Glenda Nouskhajian. “This recognition represents years of commitment, collaboration, and belief in every student’s potential to lead. Our journey to Legacy status has been transformational for our school community, and we’re excited to celebrate this moment together.”
And celebrate they will. On August 26, students, staff, and community partners will gather for a Leadership Pep Rally to mark the occasion. The event promises a high-energy celebration, complete with spirited performances, inspiring stories, and a keynote address from one of the movement’s most influential voices: Muriel Summers. As the founding principal of A.B. Combs Leadership Magnet Elementary, the first-ever Leader in Me school, Summers brings powerful insight and deep inspiration to a school that is now walking in the footsteps of the model she helped create.
The Leader in Me program, based on principles from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, empowers students to take ownership of their learning and growth, while promoting leadership at every level of the school. At Hutchison Beach, these principles are more than just posters on a wall; they’re part of daily routines, classroom culture, and student success.
Legacy status doesn’t come easily. It requires years of dedicated implementation, measurable outcomes, and a school-wide commitment to continuous improvement. For Hutchison Beach Elementary, it’s a validation of everything they’ve built and a launchpad for what comes next.
