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Joy Jones was recently selected as a nominee for Alabama’s National Distinguished Principal during a District IX Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators meeting in Daleville on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

Jones is in her eleventh year as the principal at W.S. Harlan Elementary School. She previously taught at Florala High School for 13 years and was also the career and technical education director for Covington County Schools.

“Leading this school in this community is the professional honor of my career. While others may be drawn to big schools and larger salaries, I know the value of a small school and the camaraderie developed by all doing their parts.” Jones said. “I was proud to be nominated and then voted the District IX National Distinguished Principal by members. I am honored to have this opportunity and look forward to representing our district in the state selection.”

This award recognizes principals from across the country each year for going the extra mile for their students. Jones is one of 10 nominees for Alabama’s NDP winner that will be recognized at the upcoming fall conference. A panel of judges will read over the application packets and select three finalists for a school visit.

“I am very appreciative to be nominated for this award and to represent W.S. Harlan Elementary, Covington County Schools, and AAESA District IX. Not everyone knows about our school in the small community of Lockhart. W.S. Harlan has the oldest functioning schoolhouse in Covington County,” she said.

This year, the school is celebrating its 100th year of educating students under the name of W.S. Harlan.

“We are proud to carry on the tradition and legacy left by former students, teachers, and administrators. I truly believe we have the most caring and best faculty and staff in the state, and I feel privileged to work with them. Our goals include creating lasting experiences for the students who are being taught the values of education and family both at home and school,” Jones said.

Jones added that the Florala and Lockhart areas have been like a home away from home for several years.

“Many of my students at W.S. Harlan are children of former Florala High School students and athletes that I have taught and coached. I feel like the students are part of my family, and I am privileged to be a part of their lives. I love this community and strive to be a part of and contribute to making it great.”

Jones said she attributes her longtime career in education to her loved ones and peers.

“My family and friends know how important my job is to me. You will often see them at school with me after hours and in the summer helping with various projects. It is with the support of my family and friends that I am able to put in the time needed to make our school great,” she said.

Her school colleagues also make a difference in the success of her position as the principal.

“Nothing that happens at W.S. Harlan would be possible without my amazing colleagues. They know we are a team and that our goal is to work together to provide the best education possible to our students. We support and uplift each other daily, and our school culture is positive and upbeat. Nothing in my job makes me happier than to have substitutes and visitors talk about how they enjoy being at W.S. Harlan and how our faculty and staff are always welcoming and genuinely happy,” Jones said.

Pleasant Home School principal and AAESA district president Barry Wood nominated Jones for the award.

“We are honored to have Mrs. Jones representing not just Covington County, but our CLAS district which encompasses most of southeast Alabama. Her longtime devotion to the students and staff of W.S. Harlan Elementary combined with her background serving students with disabilities make more than deserving of this recognition,” Wood said.

Superintendent Shannon Driver praised Jones for the impact she makes at her school.

“Mrs. Jones is a dedicated and innovative principal who has a genuine commitment to the students at W.S. Harlan. She is well respected by her peers, staff, and the stakeholders in her community. On behalf of Covington County Schools, I congratulate Mrs. Jones and wish her the best in the selection process for this high honor,” Driver said.

If chosen as the recipient of the award, Jones will be recognized at a reception in Washington, D.C. in October 2025.