The Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA)
recognized Yeu Margaret Vang, principal of Jackson Preparatory Magnet School, Saint Paul Public
Schools, with the 2012 MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award. Principals are responsible
for a school’s instructional, school culture, and resource leadership. The award honors principals
whose exemplary leadership and sustained efforts have made noteworthy contributions to the
operation of effective school learning programs --  improving education, their communities, and their
profession. She was recognized by colleagues statewide on February 2, 2012 at the MESPA Awards
Banquet – held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington Hotel during the annual MESPA Institute,
the statewide convention of Minnesota’s elementary and middle level principals.

Vang was nominated by Becky Pedersen, principal at Groveland Park Elementary, in the Saint Paul
Public Schools. On behalf of Saint Paul principals, Pedersen stated: “Yeu Vang provides students with
an excellent education that will give them choices and options in their future endeavors. As a teacher
at North End Elementary, a past principal of J.J. Hill Montessori, and current principal at Jackson
Preparatory Magnet in Saint Paul Public Schools, Yeu has made sure that students have had superior
learning experiences. Her leadership role in bringing a dual language program to Jackson is preparing
students with exceptional communication skills. Yeu Vang is serving on the governor-appointed
Minnesota Early Learning Council to ensure that children are school-ready by kindergarten.”