Oklahoma City (December 13, 2024) – Mrs. Dedee Emory, Assistant Principal at Chouteau Middle School, Chouteau-Mazie Public Schools, has been named the 2024-2025 Oklahoma Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year by the Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association (OMLEA).
As assistant principal for the past four years at Chouteau Middle School, Emory has been instrumental in promoting and upholding the school's four core values of respect, on-task behavior, accountability, and responsibility. She emphasizes that her Wildcats ROAR and as such students are expected to demonstrate integrity in all their interactions with peers and staff members. By displaying positive scholarly habits, children can earn and accumulate Wildcat Bucks which can be used to purchase a variety of weekly rewards. Moreover, Mrs. Emory has adopted a restorative framework whereby students learn to reflect on the consequences of their actions, accept responsibility for their behavior, and work toward repairing harm while committing to do better moving forward.
"Mrs. Emory is a difference-maker,” said Lori Helton, Superintendent of Chouteau-Mazie Public Schools. “She is trustworthy and sincerely loves the students at Chouteau Middle School. She is dedicated to the success of every student and celebrates with them as they progress along the way. We are blessed to have Mrs. Emory at CMS. The positive impact she makes at Chouteau Middle School is felt across the entire district."
Mrs. Emory works diligently to lead learning so that each learner, student, and adult will succeed in a globally competitive society. To achieve this mission, leaders and students jointly drafted a school creed recited daily during announcements. The Chouteau Wildcat Creed demands students assume ownership of their learning by being prepared and focused, taking pride in themselves, their school, and their community, and exhibiting kindness and tolerance. Under Emory's leadership, a culture has been cultivated in which effort, perseverance, practice, and learning from mistakes have become standard components of the educational experience.
"Dedee Emory's unwavering dedication to the success of every student and staff member sets her apart as a leader," noted Michelle Brumley, Principal of Chouteau Middle School. "Her ability to inspire, support, and build meaningful connections transforms challenges into opportunities. Her calm and effective communication with students, parents, and staff fosters trusting relationships, making problem-solving appear seamless. Mrs. Emory is truly deserving of this state-wide honor! "
Dr. Pam Deering, CCOSA Executive Director said, "Congratulations to Dedee Emory on being named the OMLEA Assistant Principal of the Year! Dedee exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader, intentionally building authentic relationships that create a welcoming and caring environment where every student and staff member feels valued and supported. Her dedication to fostering a positive school culture is an inspiration to all of us, and we are proud to celebrate her outstanding leadership and well-deserved recognition."
“Assistant principals at the middle school level work selflessly and relentlessly to help students navigate a rather uncertain time in their formative years,” added Chris LeGrande, OASSP/OMLEA Executive Director. "On behalf of the Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association, I am thrilled to congratulate Dedee Emory on being named the 2024-2025 OMLEA Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year. Dedee's dedication to fostering a supportive and engaging environment for middle school students and staff exemplifies the very best of educational leadership. Her tireless efforts and passion for making a difference in the lives of young people are truly inspiring and deserving of this prestigious recognition."
Emory will be recognized as the Oklahoma Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year by the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) and the Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association (OMLEA) at the CCOSA Summer Leadership Conference in June 2025. Mrs. Emory will also join her fellow state nominees in Washington, D.C. on April 11, 2025, where NASSP will announce the 2025 NASSP National Middle Level and High School Assistant Principals of the Year during its National Education Leadership Awards ceremony.