OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Loranger Middle School Assistant Principal Julie Smyth has been named Maine’s Assistant Principal of the Year.

Smyth received the designation from the Maine Principal’s Assosiation and was honored at an assembly at Loranger Wednesday morning.

“This award is possible because I love what I do,” said Smyth. She said that since she started at Loranger, she has enjoyed working with the staff and students.

The award is open to all assistant principals in the state. Richard Durost, executive director of the Maine Principal’s Association, would not say how many people were vying for the title, but said that Smyth had “significant competition.”

Smyth will be honored by the Maine Principal’s Association at its annual awards banquet in April of 2010. She will also be recognized that month by the National Association of Secondary School Principals at a three-day program to be held in Washington, D.C.

The trip will include professional development activities, networking opportunities with honorees from the other 49 states and a black-tie dinner and awards program. On of the 50 assistant principals will be chosen for the national assistant principal of the year award.

“I am so excited to represent this school,” said Smyth. She said that Loranger Middle school is “truly a gem nestled in southern Maine” and wherever she goes attending assemblies or giving speaches as the Assistant Principal of the Year, she will be representing Loranger.

“I love you all. I love my job. I love being assistant principal at Loranger Middle School,” said Smyth to students and faculty Wednesday morning.

Regional School Unit 23 Superintendent of Schools Michael Lafortune said that Smyth received her award because of her leadership in curriculum and instruction, her collaborative style and her strong advocacy for students.

“You are no doubt an outstanding administrator, but more importantly, I believe it’s your student-first and friendly style of leadership that got you this award,” said Lafortune.

Smyth was nominated for the award by Loranger Middle School Principal Lloyd Crocker, who said she has done “an outstanding job” as assistant principal.

Crocker said that Smyth is part of “an administrative team” and always willing to step up and take the initiative for a variety of tasks.

This is Smyth’s fourth year as an assistant principal at Loranger Middle School. Prior to that, she was an English teacher at Windham High School. She also served as an assistant women’s basketball coach at both St. Joseph’s College in Standish and Westbrook College in Portland.

Smyth lives in Biddeford with her husband, Curtis, and her children, Drew and Anna.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.