Education is a top priority for the area’s parents and educators in St. Johns County Schools. A great example of this commitment is found in Mill Creek Elementary Principal Amanda Riedl. We recently caught up with Amanda to learn more about her background and her dedication to providing the best in academic excellence to local students.

Having grown up in the panhandle’s Okaloosa County, Amanda is a Floridian through and through. After earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, she and her husband relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. In addition to learning to live and drive in snow for the first time, Amanda pursued her passion for education with the North Kansas City School District.

Says Amanda, “It was through my experience in North Kansas City School District and God’s grace that I have become the leader I am today. I was blessed to work in North Kansas City School District for 13 years, serving the last eight as an Elementary Principal.”

In addition to gaining vital experience, she earned a Master’s degree and educational specialist degree from the University of Missouri. During that time, Amanda and her husband also welcomed sons Hudson (now 11) and Hampton (now 8).

“That definitely keep us on our toes, loving life, playing sports, and defying all odds” says Amanda.

The Riedl family relocated to the St. Augustine area in 2012 and Amanda took the reins at Mill Creek Elementary for the 2012-2013 school year. A five-star school and recipient of the Golden School Award, Mill Creek Elementary is a top performing school. And today, it is in good hands with Amanda Riedl.

Says Amanda, “My passion and desire for student learning was fueled by the rich experiences I was given to grow as a learner!  I believe ALL students MUST and CAN learn.”

Her commitment to excellence extends to the teachers under her direction. As Amanda says, “I am committed to building the capacity of teachers and providing them with opportunities to flourish in their craft of teaching. I believe that when a teacher stops learning our students stop learning.  We are in the business of saving lives – our students’ lives – and I am passionate about equipping our students and teachers with essential skills to be leaders.”

She adds, “At Mill Creek, we’re committed to every need, every student, every day.”

Visit Mill Creek Elementary, one of the schools supported by Davidson Realty’s corporate giving program Davidson Cares (http://www.davidsoncares.com/), online at http://www-mce.stjohns.k12.fl.us/.