An unidentified school staff member surprised the principal of Shields by announcing she had been named Hillsborough County Principal of the Year during a staff meeting, the transcript shows.

The presenter said, “We are so proud of you and, all your accomplishments, all your work here at Shields, and we couldn't be prouder to have you named as the principal of the year for Hillsborough County Public Schools.” Attendees offered congratulations.

The principal, whose name was not specified in the transcript, told colleagues she had expected a data meeting and instructional walks. She said, “I couldn't figure out what was going on because April, my regional superintendent was telling me that I needed to be prepared because the cabinet was here and we needed to do instructional walks.” She added that balloons and cake followed the announcement and that she felt honored given the number of outstanding principals in the district.

The principal described the role as personal to her: she said the community served by Shields is where she lives and where she grew up, and that representing Hillsborough County’s principals is meaningful. She closed by thanking Shields and saying, “You are part of my family today and always and I just appreciate representing you as well.”

The transcript does not provide the principal’s name, the presenter's full name or title, a date for the ceremony, or further details about selection criteria or who conducted the selection. No formal actions, votes, or policy decisions were recorded in the provided excerpt.