Helena Payne Chauvenet (pronounced sho-vuh-NAY) joined the Maury Elementary community as principal in 2018. During her time at Maury, she has led the transition into the modernized school building, the planning for increased student enrollment, and the exciting pandemic school years. The talented Maury teachers and students were honored as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2020 by the U.S. Department of Education. Prior to working at Maury, Ms. Payne Chauvenet served as the assistant principal at Janney Elementary school in Washington, DC, for three years. She also worked for nine years in Alexandria City Public Schools as a middle school teacher and assistant principal. She has enjoyed working with students, teachers, and families, while working together to meet the needs of young learners. Ms. Payne Chauvenet holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, and graduate degrees in education from Harvard Graduate School of Education and the University of Virginia.