Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Office of Overseas Schools, and the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity will select one high school assistant principal and/or on middle level assistant principal to represent their state. State winners are selected from applications submitted to the state associations.
Because each state’s selection process varies, please contact your state association for more information on their selection process.
2025 State Assistant Principals of the Year – Middle Level
Alabama
Jennifer Nabors
Calera Middle School
Alabama
Jennifer Nabors has served as the assistant principal of Calera Middle School in her hometown of Calera, AL, since 2019. Previously, she was a teacher, coach, and mentor. She considers it a privilege to live and work in the community where she buys groceries, and she is committed to the pursuit of excellence in all that she does.
California
Ryan Price
Sierra Vista Middle School
California
Ryan Price is the former assistant principal of Sierra Vista Middle School in Covina, CA . Throughout her tenure, she fostered strong relationships with staff, students, and families, leading the school to earn the National Schools to Watch distinction. As a co-administrator, she cultivated a positive campus culture, prioritizing a safe and supportive environment where all individuals feel connected and cared for. She regularly shares her innovative programs at local, state, and national conferences, contributing to the broader educational community’s growth and success.
Colorado
Nicole Paxton
Mountain Vista Community School
Colorado
Nicole Paxton, EdD, is an assistant principal of Mountain Vista Community School in Colorado Springs, CO. Her work is driven by her commitment to fostering systems and cultures that ensure every learner reaches their potential. Known for her focus on equity and integrity, she excels in building high-performing teams, driving continuous improvement, and creating innovative solutions that positively impact students and educators alike.
Connecticut
Marco Tirillo
John Wallace Middle School (Newington Public Schools)
Connecticut
Marco Tirillo is assistant principal of John Wallace Middle School in Newington, CT. Passionate about equity, restorative practices, and social-emotional learning, he works to foster inclusive environments where students and educators thrive. Known for his warm and hands-on approach, he builds strong relationships with students, staff, and families. His initiatives, such as the student diversity committee and No Place for Hate, have strengthened the school’s culture. A champion of student engagement, he continuously inspires others through his leadership, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to student success.
Georgia
Kendra Jenkins
Henderson Middle School
Georgia
Kendra Jenkins is the assistant principal of Henderson Middle School in Jackson, GA. Previously, she worked as an instructional coach and taught high school economics, government, and middle school social studies and English language arts. As assistant principal of instruction and school testing coordinator, she leads her grade level and champions initiatives that foster academic growth and positive school culture. Her advocacy for meaningful student relationships and the implementation of MTSS with a focus on social-emotional learning have contributed to a 60% decrease in discipline incidents and increased academic progress.
Hawaii
Marlyn Hutton
Niu Valley Middle School
Hawaii
Marlyn Duldulao Hutton is in her ninth year as assistant principal of Niu Valley Middle School in Honolulu, HI. Previously, she taught science and led student activities at a Hawai’i high school. She also supervised reading specialists in elementary schools before joining Niu Valley. She has helped transform the school’s culture to one of greater collaboration, belonging, and attention to equity. Initiatives include in-house faculty collaborative mini-conferences, staff learning walks, a student advisory program, improved teacher onboarding, and more inclusive classrooms. According to surveys, students’ sense of belonging has doubled, teacher satisfaction has more than doubled, and once high teacher turnover has nearly been eliminated.
Indiana
Justin Tucker
Batesville Middle School
Indiana
Justin Tucker is an assistant principal of Batesville Middle School in Batesville, IN, where he has dedicated six years to nurturing a positive learning environment. Previously, he was the assistant principal of Batesville High School. In 2021, he was recognized as the Indiana Association of School Principals District 10 Assistant Principal of the Year. He has made an impact at Batesville Middle by focusing on developing strong procedural operations in the areas of school safety, special education, discipline and alternative education. He strives to create a supportive and enriching educational experience for all students.
Louisiana
Rick Bryant
Elm Grove Middle School
Louisiana
Rick Bryant has served as assistant principal at Elm Grove Middle School in Bossier City, LA, for the past six years. Previously, he was a teacher, coach, athletic director, and assistant principal. This diverse background has enabled him to make a significant and positive impact on both students and staff, cultivating a positive environment that prioritizes growth, discipline, and achievement. He works alongside a group of dedicated educators who share a deep commitment to students. Together, they embrace student learning and function as a cohesive team to meet the needs of their students, helping to make Elm Grove Middle an extraordinary place.
Maine
Michael Toomey
Philip W. Sugg Middle School
Maine
Mike Toomey is an assistant principal at Philip W. Sugg Middle School in Lisbon Fall, ME. Previously, he was an educator in Pennsylvania and Virginia. His ability to mentor students, build positive relationships, and create a strong team culture has profoundly impacted his school community. He created the student leadership group “Captain’s Council,” which has elevated the voice of students. The Captain’s Council has helped to strengthen schoolwide culture and community service initiatives.
Maryland
Anna Ory
Marley Middle School
Maryland
Anna Ory has served as assistant principal of Marley Middle School in Glen Burnie, MD, since 2020. She is celebrated for cultivating a positive school culture through innovative initiatives, such as the “word of the month” program to promote character development and a flipped schedule for eigth-grade electives, which has improved engagement and reduced behavior incidents. She emphasizes relational discipline, helping students understand the impact of their actions and encouraging accountability. She also supports staff by fostering leadership, conducting regular check-ins, and using feedback to provide meaningful recognition.
Michigan
Christoper Moore
Pioneer Middle School
Michigan
Christopher Moore has served as assistant principal of Pioneer Middle School in Plymouth, MI, since 2012. Previously, he taught middle school science, coached multiple sports, and served as science department head, yearbook advisor, athletic liaison, and vice president of the teachers union. As an assistant principal, he has developed a school community that is student centered with a focus on building strong relationships with students and families. He has led many initiatives including a sixth grade camp and an eighth grade trip to New York City, and he’s implemented a schoolwide framework to improve student academics and behavior.
Minnesota
Julie Johnson
Central Middle School Wayzata
Minnesota
Julie Johnson has been an associate principal of Central Middle School in Wayzata, MN, for the past four years. Previously, she spent a decade in Mounds View Public Schools as a Middle School Math teacher, early college preparation instructor, math Interventionist, and instructional strategies facilitator. During her tenure at Central, she has spearheaded the creation of MyTime, a flexible learning program, and organized the school’s first two cultural showcases. She has led the building leadership team in strengthening PLC practices, embedding literacy strategies schoolwide, and enhancing professional learning on formative assessments, engagement strategies, and data-driven decision-making.
Missouri
Scott Lackey
Ladue Middle School
Missouri
Scott Lackey is assistant principal of Ladue Middle School in St. Louis, MO. He evaluates staff, provides instructional support, and leads the development of academic programs and professional development initiatives. Since leading the school’s safety efforts, climate surveys have shown a huge increase in positive responses about safety. He has worked to develop leadership capacity with students by establishing character ambassadors, a group of eighth grade students who plan and deliver character lessons with sixth grade classes. He has served an NASSP education ambassador.
New Mexico
Guadalupe Gallegos
Rio Rancho Middle School
New Mexico
Guadalupe Gallegos is an assistant principal of Rio Rancho Middle School in Rio Rancho, NM. She has dedicated 26 years of service to the Rio Rancho Public School District, contributing to the establishment of both the former Rio Rancho Mid-High School, now known as Rio Rancho Middle School, and V. Sue Cleveland High School, where she served as the assistant coach for the girls’ track and field team. She has a strong passion for education and collaborates effectively with colleagues who promote an engaging and positive learning environment.
North Carolina
Sanna Smawley
Chase Middle School
North Carolina
Sanna Smawley is the assistant principal of Chases Middle School in Forest City, NC. Previously, she was an elementary school teacher. She is deeply passionate about education and is dedicated to preparing children for the future. She is known for fostering a positive, collaborative environment that encourages teamwork. Building strong relationships with students, staff, and the community is a cornerstone of her approach. She approaches each day with a smile, bringing enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence to all she does.
Oklahoma
Dedee Emory
Chouteau Middle School
Oklahoma
Dedee Emory has served as the assistant principal of Chouteau Middle School in Chouteau, OK, for the past four years, where she has been instrumental in promoting and upholding the school’s core values of respect, on-task behavior, accountability, and responsibility. She has adopted a restorative framework that empowers students to reflect on the consequences of their actions, accept responsibility for their behavior, and work toward repairing harm while committing to improvement. A servant leader, she is dedicated to building authentic relationships that foster a welcoming and caring environment where every student and staff member feels valued and supported.
Oregon
Grant Piros
Meadow Park Middle School
Oregon
Grant Piros is anassistant principal at Meadow Park Middle School in Marlene Village, OR. Previously, he was a high school language arts teacher, instructional coach, football coach, and head track coach. He was named Silverton High School Teacher of the Year and Mid Willamette Assistant Coach of the Year. As an educator, he works hard to build a strong and positive culture that values alignment practices to support and empower all students.
South Carolina
Ashley Fouty
Pleasant Hill Middle School in Lexington School District One
South Carolina
Ashley Fouty is assistant principal of Pleasant Hill Middle School in Lexington, SC. Known as an innovative educator due to her transformative leadership in student-centered practices and professional development, she has implemented a lunchtime intervention program, known as Cougar Café, which provides students with real-time interventions in needed areas. She has led the implementation of a co-teaching model for students with accommodations, which has shown enhanced outcomes, through the use of personalized, inclusive instruction. She has also facilitated high-level professional learning, not only through her encouragement of data-driven curriculum design, but also through her fostering of collaborative growth among educators.
South Dakota
Amanda Olinger
Harrisburg East Middle School
South Dakota
Amanda Olinger has been an assistant principal with Harrisburg Middle Schools in Harrisburg, SD, for the last eight years. Previously, she was an English and Spanish teacher. Most recently at East Middle School in Rapid City, she has worked to create a school that is loving, transformative, and innovative for all learners and staff. She has also supported students to find success academically, socially, and emotionally. She is proud of the students who work hard every day to improve themselves, and she is grateful to the students, staff, and parents of East Middle School for allowing her the opportunity to serve them.
Tennessee
Kent Smith
Ocoee Middle School/Bradley County Schools
Tennessee
Kent Smith has served as assistant principal of Ocoee Middle School in Cleveland, TN, since 2018. Previously, he was the school’s athletic and attendance director. He also taught math at Walker Valley High School for seven years. He credits the faculty and staff at Ocoee Middle School for its success in achieving high level academic status with the state, and for making students feel successful and ensuring the school is a great place to work.
Texas
Matthew Hawkins
Seminole ISD
Texas
Matthew Hawkins, EdD, has been an assistant principal of Seminole Jr. High School in his hometown of Seminole, TX, for the last seven years. Previously, he coached football and baseball and taught science. He has developed several programs to improve both staff and student performance. These programs include the Wind Spirit Cup, a class competition in which grade levels compete with each other in all areas of student performance, and the Tribe Ambassador program, a grant-funded effort which helps students develop community service projects.
Utah
ConnieTrue Simons
Midvale Middle School, Canyons School District
Utah
ConnieTrue Simons is an assistant principal of Midvale Middle School in Midvale, UT. She and her administrative team have built a culture focused on growth and that celebrates success. In recent years, they have begun the targeted implementation of QTEL (Quality Teaching for English Learners) strategies to help teachers develop and maintain high expectations while providing high supports to help all students achieve their full potential.
Wisconsin
Elizabeth Nelson
Elmbrook Schools; Pilgrim Park Middle School
Wisconsin
Elizabeth Nelson has served as associate principal of Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm Grove, WI, since 2020. Previously, she was dean of students at Whitnall High School and taught sixth grade. She is deeply committed to fostering student leadership, belonging, and academic success. Under her leadership, Pilgrim Park offers 35 student-driven clubs, creating opportunities for connection and leadership. She established a behavior management leadership team that redefined expectations and supports, leading to a 40% reduction in behavior referrals. Additionally, she developed a student support structure focused on early intervention and is spearheading the implementation of the Check and Connect engagement program. Her work has contributed to a 12% increase in student-reported belonging and significant academic growth, earning the school a “Significantly Exceeds Expectations” rating on the state report card for two consecutive years.