Vero Beach, FL, November 4, 2021– The School District of Indian River County is proud to announce their 2022 Principal of the Year, Shawn O’Keefe, Principal at Vero Beach High School.

This year marks Mr. O’Keefe’s 10th year as the principal at Vero Beach High School (VBHS), and 29th year in Florida Public Education. Mr. O’Keefe said, “Serving as Principal has been a very positive experience for me, given the many challenges offered by a school of VBHS’s size and scope.” Prior to becoming principal at VBHS, he opened Storm Grove Middle School where he served as principal for the school’s first three years and has also served an assistant principal at both Sebastian River High School (SRHS) and VBHS, before becoming a principal. In addition to this record of leadership, Mr. O’Keefe was a classroom teacher in our district for 10 years, and 3 years in Broward County.

Mr. O’Keefe graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in English and earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Principal O’Keefe is married to his wife, Kim, who is a school counselor at SRHS, and has two children who graduated from the University of Florida. His daughter works in finance in Jacksonville, and his son begins year 2 of medical school this year at UF. Mr. O’Keefe loves spending time with his family, the occasional offshore fishing trip, and some weekends in Gainesville supporting the Gators. He is passionate about education and making sure each day, that our students at VBHS are having the best high school experience possible.

SDIRC Superintendent Dr. Moore, stated, “We are so proud to recognize our Principal of the Year, Mr. Shawn O’Keefe, who has been a dedicated member of our SDIRC family for over 25 years. Mr. O’Keefe has shown fantastic leadership, even in challenging times, and continues to support his VBHS family and create initiatives that are embedded into the long-standing Vero Beach High School traditions.”

VBHS Assistant Principal Rashard Morgan added, “The best of leaders is not focused on growing themselves, but on growing and strengthening those they influence. One of the many positive traits of Principal O’Keefe, is his influence and fortitude in recognizing and fostering the growth of Administrators, be it Principals, Assistant Principals or District Leadership. One of his many hallmarks, is his ability to successfully manage his own career, while simultaneously, positively influencing and supporting others to see their vision and goal to make them better leaders.”

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Cristen Maddux at 772-564-5527 or email at [email protected]