FARMINGTON — Mallett School Principal Tracy Williams is among 59 outstanding elementary and middle school principals from across the nation and abroad who have been named 2015 National Distinguished Principals by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

The distinguished principals will be honored Friday at an awards banquet at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., as part of a two-day program. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will deliver opening remarks.

Established in 1984, the two-day celebration recognizes public and private school principals who make superior contributions to their schools and communities. The principals will also have the opportunity to share best practices. The honorees are selected by National Association of Elementary School Principals’ state affiliates and by committees representing private and overseas schools.

Executive Director Gail Connelly congratulated the class of outstanding principals, noting their significant role in successfully leading students, schools and communities through seismic shifts in education.

“Only a school principal can lead a school to success and positively impact an entire learning community,” she said. “That is why I am so pleased to congratulate this year’s class of National Distinguished Principals — they richly deserve this honor and many more.”

A list of the 2015 NDPs and their biographical information can be accessed at www.naesp.org/2015-class-national-distinguished-principals.