TAVARES — Wesley Locke, principal of Spring Creek Charter School in Paisley, has been recognized by Florida TaxWatch as one of Florida’s most successful principals from high-risk K-12 public schools. He is one of 15 winners of the Principal Leadership Award, established in 2013 to recognize educational leaders who are creating meaningful changes in their students’ lives while promoting their uniquely effective practices among their peers.
The other winners are from Brevard, Collier, Duval, Escambia, Hillsborough, Leon, Levy, Miami-Dade, Orange, and Palm Beach Counties.
“Mr. Locke’s leadership at Spring Creek Charter School demonstrates what is possible when a principal combines high expectations with a deep commitment to students,” Lake County Schools Superintendent Diane Kornegay said. “His work to support students while building a culture of opportunity and achievement is exactly the kind of leadership we strive to foster across our district. We are proud of Mr. Locke and grateful for the positive impact he continues to make in the lives of his students and the Spring Creek community.”
Florida TaxWatch presented Locke with a plaque and a $1,000 cash prize at an awards ceremony at the school last week. As part of the honor, he was also asked to nominate a student to receive a 2-year Academic A+ Challenge Match Scholarship from Florida Prepaid. Congratulations to scholarship winner Millenia “Millie” Olvera, an 8th-grade student and FFA president at Spring Creek.
“I am honored to receive this award from Florida Tax Watch, but I want to make one thing clear – this award is a direct reflection of the excellent work done by all the teachers, aides, clerks, bookkeepers, bus drivers, and custodians at Spring Creek on a daily basis,” Locke said. “Without their hard work and dedication, Spring Creek Charter School would not be the incredible place it is. I am proud that this award is determined through looking at schools with high-risk student populations and analyzing the data to see which schools are making exceptional gains in student achievement. It’s not a popularity contest. Our students also deserve the credit as they are constantly pushing themselves to do their best, to reach higher, and to expect excellence in themselves. I am so proud of these students and what they are and will be accomplishing!”
Established by Florida TaxWatch in 2013, the Principal Leadership Awards (PLA) program serves to acknowledge and reward educational leaders who are creating meaningful change in their students' lives while also promoting their uniquely effective practices among their peers. This program, which is the only one of its kind nationwide, recognizes 15 of Florida's most successful principals from high-risk K-12 public schools across the state (five principals each from elementary, middle, and high schools, including traditional and charter public schools).
Principals are selected based on weighted Florida Department of Education data.
Florida TaxWatch is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute that has been in operation for 40 years. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on taxpayers and businesses. It is supported by its membership via voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants.
The Florida TaxWatch 2025-26 Principal Leadership Award (PLA) winners are as follows:
Elementary school
Beverly Budzynski, former principal, Village Oaks Elementary School (Collier County)
Delshuana Jackson, Bond Elementary School (Leon County)
Charlene James, George W. Carver Elementary School (Duval County)
Blair Lovelace, former principal, Coquina Elementary School (Brevard County)
Jackson Nicolas, former principal, Earlington Heights Elementary School (Miami-Dade)
Middle School
Lipi Datta-Reid, Dr. Carter G. Woodson K-8 School (Hillsborough County)
Wesley Locke, Spring Creek Charter School (Lake County)
Lisa Mehr, former principal, Woodville K-8 School (Leon County)
Madelyn Sierra-Hernandez, Irving & Beatrice Peskoe K-8 Center (Miami-Dade County)
Dorenda Westfall, former principal, Yankeetown School (Levy County)
High School
Sandra Edwards, Atlantic High School (Palm Beach County)
Vincent Hall, William M. Raine High School (Duval County)
Dina Langston, Armwood High School (Hillsborough County)
Kenya Nelson-Warren, Evans High School (Orange County)
Richard Shackle, Washington Senior High School (Escambia County)
