Every year, we gather all of our franchise owners of the Celebree School network together to learn, connect, and grow at our Grow Big Conference. Celebree School of Herndon-West Reston is honored to share that our owner, Manmeet Sarang, was the winner of this year’s Franchisee of the Year Award, the highest accolade an owner can achieve. This award recognizes owners who not only uphold the promise to “Grow People BIG and Small”, but have also had phenomenal growth in their journey of being a business owner. Hear from Manmeet about what this award means to her.
How do you balance running a strong business while staying deeply connected to your school community?
At Celebree School of Herndon West Reston, we don’t see business strength and community connection as competing priorities—they go hand in hand. When families feel genuinely valued, the business thrives with purpose. Our team stays intentionally present by greeting families, celebrating milestones, and truly listening. These everyday moments build trust in a way no strategy alone can. Combined with strong systems and leadership, this balance allows us to grow while staying grounded.
What does “We Grow People Big and Small” mean to you in practice?
“We Grow People Big and Small” comes to life in the everyday moments. It’s in the joy of watching a child gain confidence, learn a new skill, and reach milestones that shape their future. At the same time, it reflects our commitment to our team—we invest in their growth, support their goals, and proudly promote from within. Seeing a teacher grow into a leader is just as meaningful as a child mastering something new. In the end, it’s about improving lives on both sides.
What motivates you to keep growing and improving each year?
What motivates me is the impact we see every day. Watching children grow, gain confidence, and reach new milestones is incredibly rewarding. Equally meaningful is seeing our team members step into new roles, discover their strengths, and build lasting careers. That continuous growth inspires me to keep improving. Knowing we’re not just running a school but truly making a difference in the lives of both children and educators, is what drives me forward each year.
