Stolley Park Principal Honored with Lozier LIGHTS Outstanding Principal Award
GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — They say a school building takes on the personality of its principal – and at Stolley Park Elementary, the aura is warm and welcoming. Just like its principal, Whitney Flower.
Mrs. Flower is often seen roaming the halls, stepping into classrooms, or in meetings figuring out how to best support her staff, students and families. Her constant goal is student success, both academically and socially.
She doesn’t go anywhere without spreading joy, and offering support or encouragement to everyone she meets in the building. As a class walks down the hallway, Mrs. Flower checks in with the teacher to see how a struggling student is doing. She smiles and waves to students, calling them by name and giving them positive feedback. Students run up to hug her, and she embraces them with open arms. In all, the interactions total less than two minutes – but they add up to a world of difference.
Mrs. Flower will be recognized for her humble work, as she will be honored with the prestigious Lozier LIGHTS Outstanding Principal award. The award, given by the Lozier Foundation in Omaha, honors three Nebraska elementary leaders and celebrates their efforts in improving students’ MAP test scores over the past school year.
“This recognition means a lot because it highlights how leadership directly impacts student success,” Flower said.
Stolley Park’s math scores for third through fifth grade have climbed since the 2021-2022 school year. Over four years, student math achievement scores increased by 25 percent. From the 2023-2024 year to the 2024-2025 year, the students “on-track” or “advanced” in math grew from 62 percent to 68 percent. In the sub-group of free and reduced lunch students, there was a 36 percent gain in math scores over those four years.
In reading, students improved as well. In the second grade cohort in 2025-2026, 21 percent more students were “At or Above Benchmark” after the second grade teachers implemented their Tier 2 intervention. The data also showed that 29 percent more students showed growth of average to well above average after the intervention.
Students in Special Education, English Learners and the High Ability learner programs also all showed exceptional growth in reading from fall 2025 to spring 2026. The growth is a direct result of students receiving the targeted Tier 2 instruction or of teachers carrying over the strategies that were working into Tier 1 for all students to benefit.
So what do those numbers and scores really mean? It means students, and teachers, are continuously improving. And the strategies staff have put in place to help students learn better, are working.
“Going through the detailed application process, gathering recommendations, data, and sharing our story made the outcome even more special. We have so many incredible leaders right here in Grand Island, so being recognized at the state level is both humbling and affirming,” Flower shared.
To qualify for the Lozier Foundation LIGHTS award, principals must lead an elementary school and demonstrate significant growth in the MAP assessment for reading or math from the fall to spring. A panel of distinguished superintendents, education experts and principals reviewed the competitive submissions.
Awardees each receive a $10,000 award and their respective school receives a $25,000 award. Funds may be used to support initiatives determined by the school.
“As the principal at Stolley, my responsibility is to create the conditions for student achievement,” Flower stated. “Academic growth and school culture are inseparable. Our students do their best learning when they feel known, valued, and safe. Our teachers do their best work if they feel trusted, supported, and appreciated,” she added.
Dr. Toni Palmer, GIPS Chief of Elementary Education, highlighted the importance of Mrs. Flower’s work in helping students achieve academically and socially.
“Mrs. Flower exemplifies what it means to lead with both heart and high expectations,” Dr. Palmer shared. “Through her compassionate leadership, she has built an inclusive culture, seamlessly integrating specialized programs so that every student is fully embraced as Stolley Park Panthers,” she said.
By developing strong leadership teams and systems that directly drive student achievement, she said Mrs. Flower models the excellence GIPS strives for daily.
“GIPS is truly blessed to have leaders like Mrs. Flower making a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families,” Dr. Palmer said.
As for what Mrs. Flower plans to do with the $25,000 the school is awarded by the Lozier Foundation through the award, it will be a team effort.
“This funding gives us flexibility beyond our building budget,” Flower said. “Staff members are already sharing innovative ideas to benefit current and future students, and our Building Leadership Team will narrow down the options to make the biggest impact,” she shared.
Flower said she is thankful for the constant support and leadership from Dr. Palmer and Grand Island Public Schools.
“It’s a privilege to serve the Stolley Park community every day, and I’m so proud to represent GIPS at the state level,” Flower said.
We are so proud of Mrs. Flower, and congratulate her on this amazing honor!
This year’s Outstanding Principal honorees from the Lozier Foundation
-Jared Haag, Bennet Elementary, OR-1 (Palmyra-Bennet)
-Whitney Flower, Stolley Park Elementary School, Grand Island
-Maria Perez-Mazoz,Liberty Elementary School, Omaha Public Schools