FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: STEPHANIE ROMERO
COMMUNICATIONS/MEDIA SPECIALIST
(949) 497-7700 EXT. 5307 | SROMERO@LBUSD.ORG 

October 21, 2025
 

Laguna Beach Unified School District principal Julie Hatchel, Ed.D., receives national award

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF. – Today, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) announced the recipients of its 2025 National Distinguished Principals program. Among the 43 honorees is El Morro Elementary School Principal Julie Hatchel, Ed.D.

The NAESP National Distinguished Principals program honors outstanding elementary and middle-level principals who ensure that America’s children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and achievement. Each year, the program recognizes principals who exemplify these qualities by setting high standards for instruction, student achievement, character and school climate for the students, families and staff in their learning communities.

“Throughout my career, my goal has been to lead with a benevolent, clear and shared vision that fosters a collective commitment to creating an environment where both students and staff thrive,” El Morro Elementary School Principal Julie Hatchel, Ed.D., said. “Being part of a community that values excellence and empathy is truly an honor. Our achievements are the result of a collective effort to create a nurturing and high-performing environment for every student.” Dr. Hatchel has served as an educator for 36 years, including 28 in administrative roles. She began at Laguna Beach Unified School District as principal at Top of the World Elementary and transferred to El Morro Elementary in 2022. 

Principal honorees are selected by NAESP state affiliates and by committees representing private and overseas schools. Criteria for selection require honorees to be active principals of schools where programs are designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students and where there are firmly established community ties with parents and local business organizations.

“Dr. Hatchel embodies the kind of leadership that brings a shared vision to life,” LBUSD Superintendent Jason E. Glass, Ed.D., said. “Her commitment to empowering students and staff creates a learning environment grounded in empathy, excellence and community.”

The 2025 class of National Distinguished Principals will be honored during a two-day event in Washington, D.C., that culminates with an awards banquet on October 24, 2025.

LBUSD serves about 2,300 students in grades TK–12 at four school sites: El Morro Elementary, Top of the World Elementary, Thurston Middle School, and Laguna Beach High School. 

To learn more about the Laguna Beach Unified School District, visit www.lbusd.org. Stay connected by following @LagunaBeachUSD on Instagram and subscribing to the district newsletter (www.lbusd.org/itsawrap) for the latest news and updates.

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