Kathryn Winn Primary School has earned one of the highest honors available through FranklinCovey Education, becoming a Leader in Me Legacy School. The distinction is held by fewer than 40 schools worldwide and KWP is the only K-1 primary school to reach Legacy status.
The recognition celebrates years of commitment to developing leadership, character and academic excellence in students. Kathryn Winn previously earned Lighthouse certification, but the Legacy School designation represents the highest global honor awarded through the Leader in Me process.
Principal Donna Monroe, who got to celebrate this achievement as she prepared for retirement, said the recognition validates the work taking place every day inside the school. Monroe was unable to attend the celebration, but incoming Principal Danielle Hamilton accepted the award on her behalf.
“Receiving the Legacy Award from FranklinCovey validates the high quality work we are doing to develop leadership skills in our students. This prestigious recognition is a tremendous honor for our school and reflects the dedication of our staff, students, and families,” Monroe said. “It demonstrates to our community that we are committed not only to providing an excellent education, but also to empowering students to become confident, capable leaders who will make a positive impact in the future.”
During a special celebration, students, staff, families and community members gathered to mark the achievement. Students demonstrated their leadership skills and performed a special song centered on The 7 Habits of Leader in Me.
Amy Cordrey, Winn’s Leader in Me Coach, praised the school’s accomplishment.
“Today is an incredibly remarkable day. You have accomplished something that very few schools have accomplished,” Cordrey said.
She asked students, staff and family members to stand in recognition of their shared role in reaching the milestone.
FranklinCovey Senior Client Partner Nolan Marx said the purpose of Leader in Me is to help students develop the skills and confidence needed to take ownership of their lives and pursue their goals.
“At FranklinCovey Leader in Me, the goal is for us to develop a culture where every student has the ability to develop the skills they need to take ownership of their life and to have the ability to set goals to really achieve their dreams,” Marx said. “We’re very proud of you and are so blessed to be part of this partnership with you at Carroll County.”
According to FranklinCovey, more than 8,000 schools worldwide participate in Leader in Me, with fewer than 40 earning Legacy status. Marx explained that the designation reflects a long-standing commitment to developing leadership and character in students.
As part of the ceremony, Marx presented a Legacy School banner and a floating globe trophy, symbols of the school's impact both locally and beyond. The gymnasium joined together in a countdown before the banner was unveiled with the help of Kathryn Winn Leader in Me Coordinator Brandy Castle and Cordrey.
Superintendent Casey Jaynes noted the unique significance of the achievement.
“What an incredible accomplishment. As far as we believe, this is the only primary K-1 school in the world that has this designation. The staff here has believed for a long time that even the littlest leaders can lead,” Jaynes said.
According to FranklinCovey Education, Legacy Schools serve as global examples of leadership, culture and academic excellence. The award recognizes schools where students actively lead, families and staff feel valued and connected, and academic goals are aligned from the district level to individual students.
At the heart of the Leader in Me process is the belief that every child has unique strengths and leadership potential. Kathryn Winn Primary's Legacy School designation stands as powerful evidence that leadership can begin at any age and that even the youngest students can leave a lasting impact.
(More photos on the District Facebook page.)