A local elementary principal is among 61 outstanding elementary and middle school principals across the country, named as 2014 National Distinguished Principals by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, or N-A-E-S-P.

Brandi K. Bruley is principal at North Elementary School in Taylorville, and will be honored October 17th at an awards banquet at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D-C, as part of a 2-day program.

This year marks the 25th year that the program has been generously funded by VALIC, a retirement plan provider for schools. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will deliver opening remarks.