2026 National Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists

2026 Middle Level National Assistant Principal of the Year finalists 

Mark Summa, Connecticut

Mark Summa has served as assistant principal of Avon Middle School in Avon, CT, for four years. During this time, Summa has focused on developing an empowered school community by providing leadership opportunities to staff, teaching leadership skills to students, and incorporating parent voices into school decisions. Central to his work is his belief that strong relationships are the foundation for learning. He has grown the mentorship program, redesigned SEL programming to be responsive to student needs, and leveraged the teaching excellence of staff to drive instructional development forward to meet all learners where they are. His steady, compassionate leadership—grounded in trust, growth, and belief in others— has made him a cornerstone of Avon Middle School and the larger school community.

2026 High School National Assistant Principal of the Year finalists 

Cara Vienna, California

Cara Vienna has served as assistant principal of Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos, CA, for five years. She oversees counseling, special education, college and career, math, mental health, and intervention. As a servant leader, she prioritizes relationships and collaboration with all stakeholders to drive meaningful change. Under her leadership, Los Alamitos High School achieved a 100% graduation rate for two consecutive years with over 3,000 students enrolled. She has fostered a culture of student voice and engagement through innovative initiatives including a Well Space serving over 900 students per semester, student mentor programs, paid campus internships, and collaborative forums like teacher shadow days and fishbowl seminars. She has expanded Unified Sports and implements annual surveys to ensure that student and teacher perspectives guide decision-making. She credits the school’s success to dedicated students, staff, families, and community partners.

William “Bill” Toungette, Tennessee

Bill Toungette, EdD, has served as assistant principal of Woodland Middle School in Brentwood, TN, since 1996. Throughout his long tenure, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s culture and supporting its academic vision. He is recognized for fostering collaboration among teachers, strengthening student support systems, and guiding countless families through the challenges of middle school. His steady leadership has helped Woodland Middle School grow into a thriving, student‑centered community. Colleagues describe him as dependable, compassionate, and unwavering in his commitment to excellence. His decades of service reflect a deep dedication to education and have had a profound impact on the Woodland Middle School community. His legacy continues to inspire students, staff, and the community.

Amanda Jamerson, Wisconsin 

Amanda Jamerson serves as associate principal of Shorewood High School in Shorewood, WI, where she has fostered a restorative, equitable, and student-centered school culture throughout her tenure. Beginning her career as a special education teacher, she brings a deep understanding of inclusive practices and student support systems to her leadership. She has led transformative initiatives that have improved school climate and outcomes, including designing and implementing a Restorative Actions Framework that reduced office discipline referrals by 69% over three years. She also co-led the development of a comprehensive cell phone policy that strengthened instructional focus and reduced peer conflict. As the Building Equity Lead, she founded the school’s Equity Leadership Team and co-leads the African American Youth Initiative, expanding mentorship, leadership development, and college-readiness opportunities for students across southeastern Wisconsin. 

Leah Marsh, Ohio

Leah Marsh, PhD, has served as assistant principal of Niles Middle School in Niles, OH, since 2021. She is known for steady leadership and a strong commitment to students and staff. She led the implementation of a comprehensive curriculum framework in all core content areas, established a student mentoring and wellness program, and helped drive a 10% reduction in chronic absenteeism through PBIS initiatives. She also serves in leadership roles with Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA) and Ohio Leadership Advisory Council (OLAC), contributing to statewide instructional improvement efforts. Her ability to balance instructional leadership with relationship-driven practices, while consistently focusing on equity and student growth, contributed to her selection as the Ohio Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year.

Brooke Mayo, Oregon

Brooke Mayo has served as the assistant principal of Tualatin High School in Tualatin, OR, since 2022. She has been pivotal in fostering an inclusive and supportive school culture, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community. Administrators have recognized her work in equity-centered systems leadership, highlighting her ability to lead with courage and care in complex situations. She implemented a partnership between high school and middle school Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) students, which has eased transitions for incoming students. She has championed student identity support plans and strengthened anti-bias and hate response systems, ensuring every student feels seen supported, and valued. Her dedication to enhancing professional development for staff, focused on student support, has significantly contributed to student well-being and adult learning. She leads not from authority, but from humanity, creating a profound and lasting impact on the school community.