The Los Angeles Unified School District has named a Panorama City elementary school leader as its Principal of the Year and a South Los Angeles high school administrator as Assistant Principal of the Year, officials announced Friday.
Olivia Flores-Torres of Panorama City Elementary School was selected as Principal of the Year, while Alejandro Oropeza of Thomas Jefferson High School was named Assistant Principal of the Year. Juan Puentes of John Marshall High School received the top Principals Innovation Award, according to the district.
The honors took place during the district’s annual recognition event celebrating school leaders for excellence, innovation and dedication to student success.
The event coincided with National School Principals Day on May 1.
“Across Los Angeles Unified, our principals and assistant principals are leading with purpose, compassion and an unwavering commitment to student success,” Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said in a statement. “These honorees exemplify the very best of our District. They set the example in creating strong, inclusive school communities and ensuring every student is supported, challenged and prepared for the future.”
District officials said Flores-Torres has more than two decades of experience and has focused on building strong school communities and improving academic outcomes, while Oropeza has emphasized school safety, student support and family engagement at Thomas Jefferson High.
Puentes was recognized for an innovative recruitment and enrollment program at Marshall High School aimed at strengthening school culture and long-term sustainability.