BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

A Hillsborough County educator recently learned that she is a finalist for a national award. She will compete against 51 others for the coveted title.

Mrs. Tempress “Tee” Solomon is Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Hillsborough High School. She was recently named “2013 Florida Assistant Principal of the Year by the Florida Association of School Administrators.

Mrs. Solomon will compete with 51 other APs for the National Association of Secondary School Principals and Virco National Assistant Principal of the Year award.

Mrs. Solomon said she is honored to be the recipient of FASA’s state “AP of the Year Award.” The award is sponsored by NASSP (the National Association of Secondary Principals) and Virco.

“Of the various awards I have received throughout the years, this one is dear to my heart because it recognizes the depth of the work I have done with students and teachers over the years.

“In the spring, I will participate in a Forum in Washington, D. C. with 51 other state award winners, visit legislators, and attend a formal banquet. Our pictures will be posted on the Wall of Honor,” she said.

All state winners are eligible for the next level of competition: National AP of the Year. The three finalists will be named in February.

A native of Florida, Mrs. Solomon has been an educator for more than 20 years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Language Arts from the University of South Florida and her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Mrs. Solomon is the daughter of James Gavin and the late Mrs. Edna Gavin. She is the mother of 3 adult children and one grandson.

She is actively involved with several organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Hillsborough Association of School administrators, the FL Association of Assistant Principals, the National Council of Negro Women (current President), and College Hill Church of God in Christ. She is the recipient of several civic and professional awards.