Nancy Bernardino, the principal of Dallas ISD’s Solar Preparatory School for Girls, was awarded the $20,000 Credit Union of Texas’ William H. Cotton scholarship.
The scholarship honors William H. Cotton, a Dallas ISD and credit union trailblazer, and is open to all Dallas ISD employees who wish to pursue a post-baccalaureate degree or certification. Cotton retired as an associate superintendent for Dallas Independent School District and as a board officer for credit union of Texas. “Mr. C,” as he was affectionately known, began his career at Dallas ISD in 1957 as a teacher at Colonial Elementary School. He later served the district in many capacities and garnered countless awards.
Described by her colleagues as a true leader and life-long learner, Nancy Bernardino is no stranger to excellence. She is currently attending her second semester at Southern Methodist University, pursuing a doctoral degree in PK-12 Educational Leadership.
Bernardino has already created a formidable legacy in 10 years at Dallas ISD. A crowning achievement will be the opening of Solar Prep in Fall 2016, which will be the state’s first kindergarten to eighth grade all-girls school focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. As a “diversity by design” campus, the school is open to any girl that lives within the district.
With a mission to empower young girls with knowledge, leadership and confidence, Bernardino hopes her students will bring positive change to our complex world.
