Nominations open for REB Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership
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Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 REB Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership, which provide an opportunity to recognize the work of principals in the Metro Richmond region.
The awards, established by the REB Foundation and Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, honor outstanding principals each year. Nominations must be submitted online by Nov. 6 at 5 p.m.
Students, families, staff members and interested members of the community are invited to nominate a principal who has gone above and beyond to create an exceptional educational environment. The honorees will receive $20,000 apiece to be used for school initiatives, as well as an unrestricted $10,000 cash grant.
Runners-up will receive $10,000 for use toward school projects.
Principals from Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties and the City of Richmond are eligible, and one nominee from each school division will be honored. Principals may not nominate themselves. Associate and assistant principals are not eligible for the award.
Last year’s HCPS winner was Arainau “Rainy” Neal, principal of Maude Trevvett Elementary School, who used her award funds to enhance the school’s “house” system, including paying for a schoolwide app; staff training; a themed hallway mural for each of the school’s six houses; communication tools; and an ambassador program to welcome new students, especially those who are learning English.
Susan Proffitt, principal of Holman Middle School, was runner-up for the award and used her $10,000 grant to establish the Huskie CARE Camp for multilingual learners at Holman.
The Community Foundation is seeking nominations of candidates who:
• have served as principal of their school for at least three years;
• effectively manage and promote excellence in education;
• demonstrate leadership and exemplify commitment;
• inspire their students and are advocates for their school and faculty;
• encourage team spirit;
• foster cooperation between the school and the community;
• maintain dialogue with students, parents, faculty and staff.
As part of their application, nominators should upload a one- to two-page letter describing the nominee’s distinguished educational leadership. Nominators also may upload as many as three one-page letters of support.
Award recipients will be announced in March.
If you have questions about nominations, contact Tracie Weston, director of HCPS’ Department of Professional Learning and Leadership, at taweston@henrico.k12.va.us.
To find out more and to nominate a principal, click here.
Nominations must be submitted through the website by Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. Hard copies or nominations submitted via email or fax will not be accepted.
