MetLife/NASSP National Principals of the Year
The MetLife/NASSP National Principals of the Year receive a $5,000 grant for use in improving learning at their school. The national honorees are distinguished guests at the Principals’ Institute in Washington, D.C., in October and at the NASSP Conference in the spring. Each national winner also receives a crystal award and banner to display at their school.
Middle Level
2013: Laurie Barron, Smokey Road Middle School, Newnan, GA
Earning her place among the nation's best, Barron was the leading force behind the turnaround of Smokey Road Middle School. When she took over in 2004, she was the fourth principal to run the school in five years. However, by demonstrating her commitment to the success of students and staff members, she was able to tackle the rampant discipline problems, high absenteeism, and low student achievement.
2012: Linda Archambault, R. O. Gibson Middle School, Las Vegas, NV
2011: Cathy Carnahan Duniway Middle School, McMinnville, OR
2010: Sheila Kahrs, Haymon-Morris Middle School, Winder, GA
2009: Ray Landers, Boaz Middle School, Boaz, AL
2008: James Dierke, Visitacion Valley Middle School, San Francisco, CA
2007: Ellen Minette, Heidelberg Middle School, Germany
2006: Sharon Byrdsong, Azalea Gardens Middle School
2005: Randy Jensen, William Thomas Middle School, American Falls, ID
2004: Doug Lowery, Hilliard Memorial Middle School, Hilliard, OH
2003: Patti Kinney, Talent Middle School, Talent, OR
2002: Kevin McHugh, Pennwood Middle School, Yardley, PA
2001: Michelle Pedigo, Barren County Middle School, Glasgow, KY
High School
2013: Trevor Greene, Toppenish High School, Toppenish, WA
In transforming Toppenish High School into a high-performing place of learning, Trevor Greene brought a renewed sense of hope to rural Washington. Nestled on the Yakama Indian Reservation, Toppenish serves a high-minority (95%), high-poverty (100%) student population. Because he grew up on the reservation, Greene saw the consequences of generational poverty, and he made it his personal mission to return to the area and bring the community together to support students’ education.
2012: Michael Foran, New Britain High School, New Britain, CT
2011: Wesley Taylor, Lowndes High School, Valdosta, GA
2010: Lucy Beckham, Wando High School, Mt. Pleasant, SC
2009: Mark Wilson, Morgan County High School, Madison, GA
2008: Molly Howard, Jefferson County High School, Louisville, GA
2007: Jill Martin, Thomas B. Doherty High School, Colorado Springs, CO
2006: Mel Riddile, J.E.B. Stuart High School, Falls Church, VA
2005: Gail Awakuni, James Campbell High School, Ewa Beach, HI
2004: James Donnelly, James A. Green High School, Dolgeville, NY
2003: Irving Jones, Monticello High School, Charlottesville, VA
2002: Sharon Buddin, Ridge View High School, Columbia, SC
2001: Beverly Hurley, Flagstaff High School, Flagstaff, AZ
2000: Jay Engeln, William J. Palmer High School, Colorado Springs, CO
1999: Michael Pladus, Interboro High School, Prospect Park, PA
1998: Elaine Sullivan, Hernando High School, Brooksville, FL
1997: Doris Sanchez Alvarez, Hoover High School, San Diego, CA
1996: Mary Grace Jarvis, Smoky Hill High School, Aurora, CO
1995: George V. Tignor, Parsons High School, Parsons, KS
1994: Ann Blakeney Clark, Alexander Graham Middle School, Charlotte, NC
1993: Janie Hill Hatton, Milwaukee Trade and Technical School, Milwaukee, WI
Photos compliments of Lifetouch.