The School District of Philadelphia established the Family Leadership Award to recognize outstanding family leaders in our schools who, by their actions, inspire others to volunteer and assume leadership positions that have made an important difference in the lives of our students and school communities.
To be considered for the Award, the nominee had to 1) be a parent, guardian, or family member of a student in the School District of Philadelphia, 2) Be nominated by a School District of Philadelphia staff member of the school in which their child attends, and 3) not be an employee of the School District.

The Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) accepted nominations for the Family Leadership Awards during the month of October. A panel made up of District staff served as judges.
Winners were determined solely by nominations.

When reading nomination essays, our judges considered the following necessary qualities:

• That the nominee exemplifies leadership and dedication to impacting family engagement in
  
  

  From Left to Right: Robert Smith of Comcast, Penrose Principal Carol Casciato, Award Winner Crystal Dailey, and Superintendent William Hite.

  education,

• That the nominee actively participates in their child’s education at home and in school, sending the message that education is important, and
• That the nominee has had a significant impact on education at the school, district, or state level while serving as a volunteer.

Judges reviewed all completed nominations and selected family leadership winners in each of the following categories:

• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School

Middle School Level: Crystal Dailey, Penrose School

Nominator: Carol Casciato, Principal

Nomination Essay: As the Principal of Penrose Elementary School, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Ms. Dailey in her role as Home and School President and an active member of our SAC Team. Crystal has been a constant resource for parents and despite some challenging obstacles has continuously strived to ensure that the Penrose School Community stays connected. In addition to her designated responsibilities Ms. Dailey goes above and beyond to enhance the school climate and environment for our students. She knows our families and is active in various community organizations and events. Crystal even spends time helping new families transition into the Penrose Family. Ms. Dailey works closely with teachers to assist struggling students and spends her time connecting with our students and staff. This year she has even brought a resume writing training program for our middle school students. Crystal is able to accomplish all of this while acting as an advocate for her daughter Jordan. Jordan was born with a heart defect and had to undergo several surgeries since infancy. As a result of her struggles and experiences Ms. Dailey recognizes the need to support other families caring for children with special needs. She has helped found “Mended Little Hearts” an organization that provides emotional support to parents with children having heart