Surprise honors for Corte Madera principal Surprise honors for Corte Madera principal (May 18, 2005)

Principal Joel Willen was taken by surprise when he was summoned on stage at Corte Madera School's annual variety show and honored by school groups for his "positive leadership" during his first year at the Portola Valley middle school.

Mr. Willen, a principal and educator with years of experience, arrived in Portola Valley from Houston, Texas, last August.

His affable manner, warm professionalism and work ethic have had a huge impact on daily life at the school, said members of the Corte Madera PTA, which presented a plaque in collaboration with the School Site Council and Portola Valley Schools Foundation.

Parents, teachers and, most importantly, the students are looking forward to many more years of Mr. Willen's leadership, said PTA co-presidents Ellen Moore and Sandy Lee.

Upon hearing about the presentation, Superintendent Anne Campbell said: "Joel has done such a superb job of calmly, competently and collaboratively assuming the helm at Corte Madera. It's great to acknowledge his positive leadership."

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