A Northern Virginia school principal won Virginia’s Mrs. America award this summer and wants to use the title to put more emphasis on student literacy.
Patrick Henry K-8 principal Ingrid Bynum had entered only one other contest, two decades ago, when she was a student at the University of Maryland. Last year, she began to think of ways to bring more attention to her passion.
“It occurred to me how I could contribute and have a bigger impact than I have now as a director,” she recounted.
Bynum, who also has a 19-year-old daughter, prepared for the pageant in secret, telling only her husband.
“It has been a great adaptation to prepare for the contest, because after the pandemic everyone wears tracksuits and sportswear all the time,” he said.
He applied part of his school’s motto: “work hard” to his preparation.
“It’s always fun to get glamorous,” Bynum said. “The hard part has been going to the gym four days a week with the personal trainer since November.”
Bynum won the contest in June.
“I want all children to have access to quality literacy materials and I wanted to make sure I won for that reason alone,” she said.
Bynum earned honors as Alexandria City Public Schools Principal of the Year in 2016. For 12 years she has led the most diverse school in the district, but she says the gains made by her students have been wiped out during the pandemic.
Part of her plan is to get funding to put a book in each child’s home.
“I would like every child in Virginia, especially those who live in disadvantaged communities, to have at least one book in their possession,” he said. “If you are a good reader, you can be successful at anything.”
At the end of August, Bynum will again participate in the national contest.
“I see the power and influence that the title, sash and crown will give the platform,” he said. “I think it will open the access.”
And it will thrill your students when they go back to school in a few weeks.
There is also a People’s Choice award that raises money for scholarships. Currently, Bynum is in second place.
