April 15, 2025

Dr. Alicia Hooton, principal at Duello Elementary School, was named the 2024-25 Wentzville School District Administrator of the Year on April 15 in a surprise assembly with students, colleagues, and family at Duello Elementary.

All WSD District administrators were eligible to be nominated for this award by District staff. 

Dr. Hooton has been with the District since 2019. Before being named principal of Duello in 2023, she served as the assistant principal in the building. She also spent 17 years in the Fort Zumwalt School District – 12 years as a classroom teacher, two years as an administrative intern (assistant principal), and three years as head principal.

“Under her guidance, our school has thrived—academically, socially, and emotionally—creating an environment where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to succeed,” said one nominator. 

Another nominator said, “She celebrates and problem solves academic growth and works with teams to help kids reach their potential. She shares the data with us in a way that we are motivated to be better teachers and learn from each other to help every student learn and grow. Her excitement and commitment to us as a staff and the students are truly admirable.”

The WSD is proud to recognize Dr. Hooton for going above and beyond for our students and the District.