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
2012: Linda Archambault, R. O. Gibson Middle School, Las Vegas, NV
R. O. Gibson is a thriving center of learning thanks to the leadership of Linda Archambault. When she became its principal five years ago, the school was considered dangerous, the stakeholders were disengaged, and the building itself needed attention. To provide a safe and welcoming environment, Archambault enlisted the help of teachers and community members to bring the building up to code. She then worked with teachers to increase collaboration and ensure accountability for student outcomes.
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
2012: Michael Foran, New Britain High School, New Britain, CT
Since he became New Britain's principal in 2006, Foran has been instrumental in turning around Connecticut’s largest high school. Now, each of the school’s 2,700 students receive personalized attention through mentorship and support programs, a vast array of cocurricular activities and afterschool initiatives, and a newly added freshman academy.
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.