Dondre Harris, Principal of Robert L. Harris Elementary School in the Bryant School District, was selected by the Arkansas Association of Elementary School Principals (AAESP) as the recipient of the 2022 Award for Service Above and Beyond.  Lenett Thrasher, AAEA Director of Learning Services and Operations, Carol Skiba, AAESP Vice President, and Dr. Karen Walters, Bryant School District Superintendent, presented Mr. Harris with the award on February 28.

 On December 14, 2012, Newtown, Connecticut Elementary School principal, Dawn Hochsprung, gave her life in service to her school community.  In her honor, each year AAESP selects a Pk-12th grade Arkansas principal who has made a personal contribution or sacrifice that has resulted in a significant impact on his or her school community. 

 AAESP has selected Mr. Dondre Harris as the recipient of the 2022 Award for Service and Beyond.  Mr. Harris has served in several roles in the Bryant School District including elementary physical education teacher, coach, and high school assistant principal before transitioning to the elementary principal position. Principal Harris sees himself as a member of the team and steps in whenever and wherever he is needed in the school.  Mr. Harris and his team of teachers and staff implemented the processes of Capturing Kids’ Hearts so effectively in only two years that their school was recognized as a National Showcase School.

Dondre understands the importance of building a learning community that includes parents and community members who work together with school staff to support students.  This is evident when these groups speak to students on Motivational Mondays, serve as greeters at the start of the school day, speak at assemblies, donate for new learning programs, and support his students through Toys for Tots drives.  Mr. Harris started a tutoring program for students who wait on bus transportation in the afternoons which carried over into the Boys and Girls Club.

 Mr. Harris not only brings community members into the school, but he also goes out into the community to support even more kids.  Dondre helped to deliver meals to students and families during the pandemic which built stronger relationships with parents resulting in better outcomes regarding discipline and school attendance.  Mr. Harris has served as a board member and speaker for the Boys and Girls Club and currently serves on the Logan Parker Scholarship Committee and on the board for the #BeLikeCJ Foundation.  This foundation was formed after the passing of his nephew last year and serves to inspire children and families nationwide by uniting people of different backgrounds through service, sports programs, and by teaching the values of respect and humility.  Mr. Harris serves as a student mentor at Bryant High School where he encourages seniors to make good decisions in career and life. As an alumnus of the University of Pine Bluff, Dondre encourages graduates to apply for open positions within the district to support their goal of increasing diversity in its faculty and staff.  He previously served as moderator for the Athletes to Education program which encourages collegiate athletes to pursue education careers.  Mr. Harris was instrumental in creating the G.O.N.E. (Generating Opportunities for No Excuses) program to provide free summer football camps in his hometown of Eudora. This program has expanded to Dermott and Ashdown.  He stated, “If I can get a young person interested in sports, I can talk with them about making good choices.”

 Dr. Karen Walters, Bryant School District Superintendent, stated, “Mr. Harris’ impact reaches far beyond the students at Davis Elementary.  He is not only an amazing educator who pours his time and talents into serving students but plays many roles in motivating and building others to be successful.” 

 Mr. Harris is dedicated to the education and well-being of Arkansas children and very deserving of this award.