KINGSTON — Ben Degnin, principal of David Wolfle Elementary School, was selected as an Elementary School Principals Association of Washington Regional Distinguished Principal for 2012.

His nomination will be forwarded to the state level for the National Distinguished Principals award.

According to the association, the National Distinguished Principals program honors “outstanding elementary and middle level administrators who assure that America’s children acquire a sound foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.”

A principal must demonstrate evidence of outstanding contributions to the community and to the education profession, and should lead a school that:— Is clearly committed to excellence.— Has programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students.— Has firm ties to parents and community.

Degnin will receive a plaque and will be recognized at the North Kitsap School Board meeting on Dec. 6, 6 p.m., in the NKSD boardroom, 18360 Caldart Ave. NE, Poulsbo.

Each year, each of the 18 regions of the association select a principal for consideration as the state’s Distinguished Principal. From those nominations, one elementary principal is selected to represent the state at the National Association of Elementary School Principals event in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary School Principals sponsor the National Distinguished Principals Program.