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A former Port Neches-Groves student is making her mark as a top education administrator in Texas.

Dr. Danielle Jackson of Marshall High School in Fort Bend ISD has been selected to represent the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals as the 2019-20 Texas Assistant Principal of the Year.

Jackson graduated magna cum laude from Port Neches-Groves High School in 1993. She cites her principal, Richard Briggs, as an exemplar for her to follow as an educator.

“I am beyond thrilled to represent the great state of Texas,” Jackson said. “From being named Region 4 winner to ultimately the state winner, this whole journey has been both humbling and affirming. The work of educators is so important, and I am encouraged to continue to do my best for both students and staff.”

As the Region 4 winner, Jackson was eligible to compete at the state level. Regional winners submitted applications and letters of recommendation to the TASSP Principal Image Committee.

After reviewing applications, the committee selected three finalists to interview for three honors – the Texas High School, Middle School and Assistant Principal of the Year awards.

“We are incredibly proud of Danielle,” said Dr. Devin Padavil, assistant superintendent of secondary education. “She has the heart and work ethic of a servant leader, and is that rare combination of compassion for others, earned intellect, and focus on helping students and staff. Her sense of selflessness and positivity make her recognition … even more rewarding for Fort Bend ISD.”

Jackson and the other Texas winners will be recognized during the Jostens Night of the Stars Awards Dinner June 9 at the Hilton Anatole Dallas Hotel.

During the event, she will receive an award and be recognized in a commemorative book, “Texas Principals, Texas Heroes.”

The awards dinner is part of the Summer Workshop that will be held June 10-12 in Dallas.

As the Texas Assistant Principal of the Year, Jackson will represent the state as she enters the National Association of Secondary School Principals National Assistant Principal of the Year recognition program.

Jackson graduated cum laude from Lamar University with a BA in Political Science in 1997 and an MA in English in 2003. She earned her PHD in Curriculum & Instruction from Oklahoma State University in 2011.