The 2016 National Distinguished Principals, as named by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, were honored October 7 at an awards banquet in Washington, D.C. Paul M. Healey, Ph.D., PA Principals Association executive director, and Dr. Melissa D. Patschke, NAESP Zone 2 director and PA Principals Association ex-officio board member, were in attendance to celebrate with Pennsylvania NDP, Joseph P. Brereton, principal of Butler Elementary School (Chalfont, Pa.) in the Central Bucks School District. (See photos below.)

Established in 1984, the two-day NDP celebration program, which was held at the Capital Hilton Hotel, recognizes public and private school principals who make superior contributions to their schools and communities. The 58 principal honorees are selected by NAESP state affiliates and by committees representing private and overseas schools.