Top of her class

On Dec. 5, Cathy Cooper, elementary principal at Summerland Public Schools, was honored with the Nebraska Distinguished Principal's Award at the Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals' annual convention in Lincoln. This esteemed recognition celebrates her unwavering dedication to education and her transformative impact on the Summerland community.

The award comes as no surprise to those who know Cooper's work. In a letter of recommendation, Summerland Superintendent Molly Aschoff highlighted Cooper's exemplary leadership, saying, "Cathy's dedication to the children of our community and her commitment to excellence in education have made a profound impact on our school and the wider community."

Aschoff noted Cooper's ability to create a positive and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported.

"Her approach to leadership is rooted in fairness, empathy, and a genuine love for seeing kids succeed," she wrote. "She encourages innovation, fossters collaboration and consistently sets high standards for herself and her team."

Cooper, a veteran classroom teacher and administrator, started her career with a two-year stint in Ewing, from 1987 to 1989.

In the fall of 1989, she accepted a contract to teach English at Orchard Public Schools. Eventually, she was named principal for Nebraska Unified District #1 - Orchard site - and now serves as Summerland's elementary administrator.

Cooper's ability to connect with students, parents and staff has built a strong sense of trust within the school community.

"Her dedication to building relationships within our school community has fostered a sense of trust and mutual respect, which has been instrumental in our school's success," Aschoff added.

Beyond her role as principal, Cooper is a tireless advocate for children and education, leaving a lasting influence throughout the district.

Cooper's leadership excellence was evident earlier when she was named Region III Outstanding Elementary Principal of the Year in April 2023. Region III includes 50 schools across a wide swath of north-central and northeast Nebraska. Each regional winner is eligible for the statewide honor, and Cooper's distinction as Nebraska's top elementary principal reflects her sustained commitment to educational success.

When Cooper received the award in front of elementary students in September 2023, then-superintendent Kyle Finke highlighted Cooper's work with data and the school's MTSS program.

This year marked Cooper's first time attending the Nebraska State Principals Conference, where she had already registered before learning she would be receiving the award. The event offered opportunities for professional growth and networking, including breakout sessions, a legislative update, and a keynote address by Dr. Victoria Lentfer on The Power of Principal Behavior: Shaping Culture and Student Success. Cooper attended sessions on special education and managing difficult conversations, leaving inspired by the knowledge shared among her peers.

Cooper's family, including husband, Mark, daughters and sons-in-law, Mackenzie and Kenny McClellan and Mallory and Patrick Libolt, and her grandchildren attended the luncheon and watched her receive the award.

Looking ahead, Cooper is preparing to represent Nebraska at the National Distinguished Principal Program hosted by the National Association of Elementary School Principals this summer, likely in Washington, D.C.

"I have an application packet to complete for this, and I'm excited about the opportunity," she shared.

Reflecting on her journey, Cooper remarked on the value of connecting with fellow principals, saying, "The collaboration and camaraderie among principals help drive innovation and growth in our schools."

As Summerland celebrates this significant achievement, Cooper remains focused on her passion for education.

"We continue to do what's best for students," she said.