OMLEA Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year
Mrs. Dedee Emory, Assistant Principal at Chouteau Middle School, is the 2025 OMLEA Middle-Level Principal of the Year. Over the past four years, she has helped shape a strong school culture rooted in the core values of respect, on-task behavior, accountability, and responsibility—values that guide both students and staff each day. Through creative systems like earning “Wildcat Bucks” for positive behavior and implementing a restorative framework, Mrs. Emory empowers students to make thoughtful choices, take responsibility for their actions, and grow from every experience. She has also led the development of the Chouteau Wildcat Creed, a daily affirmation that encourages students to take pride in their learning, their school, and their community while embracing kindness and perseverance. Under her leadership, Chouteau Middle School has become a place where students feel supported, character is celebrated, and learning from mistakes is viewed as a vital part of the journey.
