Two Georgia principals finalists in national competition

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Two of the six finalists in a national competition honoring principals are from Georgia.

Steven Miletto of Osborne High School in Marietta is one of three finalists for national high school principal of the year.

Among middle schools, Sheila Kahrs of Haymon-Morris Middle School in Winder is a finalist.

Both faced a panel of judges Monday in Arlington, Va. Winners of the 2010 competition are expected to be announced next month.

Now in sixth year at Osborne, Miletto has helped unite a racially diverse student body and refocus his school’s focus on academics. Nearly 80 percent of the student qualifies for free and reduced lunches.

Still, Miletto says he doesn’t want to hear excuses from students, more of whom are now taking more rigorous courses and graduating.

But it’s not all work and no play for this principal. Some afternoons, Miletto joins students in pick-up soccer games behind the school. He’s also been known to dance at graduation and play his trumpet alongside the band.

Kahrs has been principal at Haymon-Morris Middle in Barrow County since it opened its doors in 2005. Kahrs has created a program that allows middle school teachers to collaborate with those teaching at the elementary and high schools.

“As I have been mentored and supported, I try to do the same for others,” Kahrs said.

Each of the six national finalists receive a $1,500 grant for their schools. The two national award winners will receive an additional grant of $3,500.