MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — It was a big surprise Wednesday for one Cuyahoga County principal.
Paul Destino, head of Mayfield Middle School, was named the Ohio Middle Level Association's Educator of the Year. The school threw him quite the pep rally this afternoon to celebrate, and his parents even came in all the way from Buffalo to greet him with his wife and kids.
"I think it's just an acknowledgement of the hard work that we put in for kids," Destino told 3News. "We have to do what's best for kids, and just to get something like that, to be acknowledged by an association that I've been a part of for 18 years who truly represent middle-level educators and kids, it's just an honor to get that award."
Destino's also made quite the name for himself when doing the morning announcements, particularly after Browns games. Here's a listen to Monday's announcements following the team's season-opening win in Carolina.
"What an incredible honor," Mayfield Superintendent Dr. Michael Barnes told Destino at today's pep rally. "You are a leader of men, of women, of children. You epitomize what it means to lead from the heart. Never, ever change, my friend. We salute you."
WKYC will have much more on Destino's big award next week on "GO!"
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