Quite the Combo

Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year

Shadowlawn student Charlotte Dalziel explains Pyramids of Giza

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The day before Superintendent Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli named them the Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year, I visited Shadowlawn Elementary and witnessed something extraordinary—a campus-wide exhibit showcasing the ancient, new, and natural Wonders of the World. From the front entrance to the media center and multipurpose room, and lining the hallways, the school had transformed into a global gallery of learning.

Right outside the main office stood a striking replica of Chichén Itzá, the iconic Mayan pyramid in Mexico. It wasn’t just a cardboard cutout—it was a carefully crafted structure that reflected hours of planning and teamwork. Students and staff worked side by side to bring these exhibits to life, combining creativity with academic rigor.

Inside, student leaders guided visitors through the displays, explaining the craftsmanship and the history behind each wonder. This wasn’t a one-day project; it was the result of a vision Principal Amber Eliason and Assistant Principal Lisa Young launched last summer. Their idea sparked enthusiasm among staff and students alike. Eventually, they plan to add QR codes so anyone can scan and watch videos of students explaining each wonder in their own words.

That experience gave me a glimpse into the leadership that earned Amber and Lisa this district-wide recognition. And here’s what makes this moment even more remarkable: Collier County Public Schools operates more than 50 schools, yet this year both the Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year come from the same campus. That’s a rare and powerful testament to the strength of their partnership and the culture they’ve built together.

CCPS Principal of the Year: Amber Eliason

Under Ms. Eliason’s visionary leadership, Shadowlawn Elementary—eligible for federal Title I support—has experienced impressive and sustained growth. The school earned an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education and reached its highest proficiency levels in English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science.

These gains reflect the systems, support structures, and student-led growth Ms. Eliason has championed. In addition, she has cultivated a strong culture of collaboration, shared leadership, and collective efficacy across the campus. A dedicated mentor, she invests deeply in developing future leaders and building long-term capacity within her team. Her leadership has truly transformed the learning environment at Shadowlawn Elementary.

CCPS Assistant Principal of the Year: Lisa Young

As a key member of the school’s leadership team, Ms. Young has been essential to the growth and success that Shadowlawn is experiencing. She helps drive the systems that support Shadowlawn’s academic gains, ensuring that classrooms receive the guidance and resources they need to flourish.

In addition to her instructional leadership, she is known for nurturing a positive and cohesive school culture. She empowers teachers, builds confidence in others, and helps create a supportive environment where students and staff are encouraged to reach their full potential.

Together, Ms. Eliason and Ms. Young exemplify the power of shared leadership, dedication, and a relentless focus on student achievement.

As I walked through those exhibits—from the towering Chichén Itzá replica to the intricate displays inside—I was inspired. Not only by the craftsmanship, but also by the creativity combined with a thirst for learning about our world. That spirit of curiosity and excellence is what makes Collier County Public Schools exceptional.

Please join us in celebrating Principal Amber Eliason and Assistant Principal Lisa Young for the extraordinary impact they continue to make on Shadowlawn and the greater Collier County community.