Cold Harbor ES Principal Receives R.E.B. Leadership Award
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Allison Mullens, the principal at Cold Harbor Elementary School (CHES), is the Hanover County Public Schools winner of the 2024-25 R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership by The Community Foundation. As a recipient, Mrs. Mullens will receive a $30,000 grant – a $10,000 unrestricted cash grant and $20,000 to be used for school initiatives.
One principal from each school division in the counties of Hanover, Henrico, and Chesterfield, as well as the City of Richmond, receives the award annually. It serves to recognize principals who “go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment.” The school community and the public submit the nominations.
“I am extremely grateful and humbled to receive this recognition. However, what means the most to me is the opportunity to give back to the students and staff of Cold Harbor. I'm incredibly proud to contribute to their growth and success,” said Mrs. Mullens, who is in her third year as principal at CHES and seventh total as a principal. “I am just so grateful for my team. I wouldn't be able to do anything I do without them. I truly have the best teachers and staff around!”
Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, Superintendent of Schools, surprised Mrs. Mullens on March 14 with the news of the recognition at her school.
“With exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to student success, Mrs. Mullens is deeply deserving of this recognition,” said Dr. Pennycuff. “She embodies Cold Harbor’s five House System traits of respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, courage, and kindness. I am grateful for her leadership and years of service to Hanover County.”
Mrs. Mullens said her favorite part of being a principal is working with both students and staff.
“I love seeing students overcome challenges and experience success. It's incredibly rewarding to witness their growth,” she said. “I also love watching teachers recognize the impact they have on their students. Seeing them take pride in their students' achievements is so fulfilling, knowing they are making a positive difference.”
Mrs. Mullens plans to use the grant funds for special professional learning for her staff.
“At CHES, we firmly believe that every student has the potential to succeed, and they do because of our dedicated teachers and staff. We plan to use the R.E.B. funds for professional development centered around this core belief, bringing it to life in our classrooms,” she said. “This will include collaboration with Brian Butler, author of Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education. His expertise will help us 'raise the floor' for all of our students, ensuring that each of them achieves at the highest levels.”
Prior to becoming the principal of CHES, Mrs. Mullens taught first and fifth grades, was an assistant principal at CHES, and served as principal at Kersey Creek Elementary School.