As we continue highlighting our campus leaders for National Principals Month, this week, we recognize West Orange-Stark Elementary Principal Vickie Oceguera.

Entering her 28th year in education, Oceguera has been blessed to spend her career serving students, families, and educators.

"I became a principal because I wanted the opportunity to make a difference beyond one classroom," she said. "I wanted to support teachers, create opportunities for students, and help build a school where children feel safe, valued, challenged, and excited to learn."

Oceguera's favorite part of being a principal is the people. She loves watching the students grow, celebrating their successes, and seeing them begin to recognize what they are capable of.

"Some of the best moments are the small ones—walking into classrooms, talking with students, celebrating progress, encouraging a teacher, or seeing a child accomplish something they once thought they couldn't do," she said.

Oceguera has high standards for the "E." She implements the three "A's" - academics, attendance, and attitude- and also wants her students to become kind, confident people who understand the importance of serving others and taking pride in their school and community.

"I am most proud of the growth happening at WOSE," she said. "We have worked hard to strengthen instruction, build a positive culture, celebrate student growth, and create stronger connections with our families and community. Our mindset is to get 1% better every day. We celebrate progress, but we also know there is always another level we can reach."

Oceguera says being principal of the district's largest campus is challenging, rewarding, busy, and never boring. She doesn't take lightly the fact that families trust her and the teachers at the "E" with their children every day. She has the responsibility of letting every child and adult who walks through the doors of WOSE know they matter, belong, and have no limits on what they can accomplish.

"I am proud to be a Mustang," Oceguera said. "I am proud of the work happening at West Orange-Stark Elementary, and grateful for the opportunity to serve this community."