Victoria Hayden is the Principal of Crestview High School and a proud product of the Okaloosa County School District. Having moved to Crestview in eighth grade when her father was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, she now leads at her alma mater — a full-circle moment after more than three decades in education.
- Her mornings start before sunrise, arriving at school around 5:30 a.m. to prepare for the day and connect with staff and students. Whether greeting buses, visiting classrooms, or attending after-school events, Victoria’s leadership is grounded in purpose, visibility, and relationships that build trust and community across campus.
Where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?
I moved to Crestview in the 8th grade when my father received orders to Eglin AFB.
What’s your current job title and where do you work?
Principal, Crestview High School.
What’s your morning routine?
I usually arrive at the school around 5:30 a.m. and prepare for the day. Often meet with staff scheduled or open door.
Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.
A typical day as the principal of Crestview High School begins early—around 6:30 a.m., when I’m out front greeting buses, car riders, and staff as they arrive on campus. I make it a priority to be visible in multiple locations—whether that’s the bus ramp, student courtyard, or main hallway—so students start their day with a friendly face and a positive tone for learning.
As the morning progresses, I visit classrooms across departments to observe instruction, participate in student discussions, and celebrate the engaging learning happening throughout the building. Between class visits, I’m in the halls monitoring transitions, ensuring students are moving safely and efficiently to their next classes, and using those moments to connect with them personally.
Throughout the day, my schedule includes meetings with students, parents, and staff—ranging from restorative conversations and attendance conferences to curriculum and data chats with teachers and professional learning teams. These meetings help maintain our focus on student growth and continuous instructional improvement.
No day is the same, but each one includes collaboration—whether it’s refining instructional practices, addressing student needs, or supporting staff. I also spend time working closely with students on attendance and academic choices, helping them take ownership of their success and plan for their futures.
After the final bell, I’m often found at school events—fine arts performances, athletic competitions, or club meetings—showing support and celebrating the diverse talents of our students. Community engagement is a vital part of the day as well, whether that means connecting with local partners, attending district meetings, or city events.
What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?
Check my calendar and prepare for the day.
What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?
I guess my phone — it keeps my work and personal life organized.
Apple or Android?
Apple.
What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?
Unsweet tea or anything pumpkin.
What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?
No time in the day to go out to lunch, but I like cheese, crackers, and prosciutto.
What’s one local business you love supporting?
Any small local business.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of career advice I’ve ever received is: “Lead with purpose, not position.” It’s a reminder that true leadership isn’t about titles or authority—it’s about influence, integrity, and consistency. Whether you’re a teacher, a student, or a principal, people respond to authenticity and a genuine commitment to doing what’s best for others. When your actions align with your values, and you treat people with respect and fairness, you naturally build trust and inspire those around you. That advice has shaped how I approach every role—focusing on impact over ego, collaboration over control, and growth over perfection.
If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Be patient with the process and confident in your purpose. At 20, it’s easy to want everything to happen quickly—to have your career figured out, to see immediate success, or to avoid failure altogether. But growth takes time, and every challenge, setback, or detour ends up shaping you into a stronger, more capable version of yourself. I’d tell myself to take more risks, ask more questions, and not be afraid to fail forward. The path may not always be straight, but if you stay grounded in your values, keep learning, and surround yourself with good people, you’ll end up exactly where you’re meant to be.
How do you unwind after a long day?
Time with my family and our French Bulldogs, maybe some hot tub time to decompress.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Enjoy solving puzzles, escape rooms, brain teasers, and anything scary… books, movies, and Halloween.
What’s your favorite local event or tradition?
Fall Festival downtown Crestview.
What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?
I’m inspired by students who step up—whether it’s leading a club, volunteering, or pushing themselves academically. Seeing their dedication and growth reminds me why the work we do every day matters. Even small moments, like a student taking ownership of their learning or supporting a peer, can spark big inspiration.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird.
Most used emoji?
🐾💕 Paw prints with double hearts
Music while working — yes or no?
Yes, anything from the 80’s.
Favorite motivational quote?
“Try to understand what someone else is going through, because kindness matters.” — Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson.
Standing desk or sitting? Mix?
Standing unless meeting with someone.
If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?
Relationships first: Connect with students, staff, and the community. Trust is everything.
Lead with purpose: Know your vision and communicate it clearly.
Be visible: Walk the halls, visit classrooms, attend events—show you care.
Stay curious: Keep learning, reading, and growing professionally.
Embrace challenges: Mistakes and setbacks are opportunities to model resilience.
Celebrate wins: Recognize achievements—big or small—to build a positive culture.
Serve with integrity, stay student-focused, and never stop learning.
Anything we missed that you want to add?
I’m a proud product of OCSD and feel truly honored to lead from my alma mater, Crestview High School. After 33 years in education, I cannot think of a more rewarding way of life. Every day brings new challenges, opportunities, and moments that remind me why this work matters. Being part of a school community where students, staff, and families come together to learn, grow, and support one another is an honor I never take for granted.
One Response
CHS is truly blessed to have Victoria Hayden as its principal and leader. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on the entire school community. She has been a tremendous asset to my family and a wonderful friend whose guidance and support mean so much.