OCPS announces Stellar Award finalists for principal, AP

Orange County Public Schools has selected its finalists for the 2023-24 Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year. The winner of each category will be announced at the Stellar Awards Feb. 2, 2024, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort.

One of the finalists is representing West Orange County: Bridget Bresk, assistant principal of Windermere High School.

In nearly 20 years as an administrator, Bresk has been guided by the philosophy that every student matters. Throughout her tenure with OCPS, she has gone the distance to ensure students have the tools they need to excel, meet their graduation requirements and continue their education after high school. 

As an assistant principal at Lake Buena Vista High, she conducted home visits to welcome students to the newly opened school. She also worked one-on-one with students, families and counselors to demystify the high school system for freshmen, English language learners and others, as well as promoted acceleration opportunities. 

Bresk’s instructional leadership helped Lake Buena Vista High achieve a 93% graduation rate.

The remaining finalists are Rebecca Watson, principal of East River High; Melanie Simmons, principal of Rock Lake Elementary; Lindsey Smestad, principal of Sadler Elementary; Adriene Anderson, assistant principal of Pineloch Elementary; and Charisse Hurdle, assistant principal of Rolling Hills Elementary.