2025-2026 National Principal of the Year Finalists

Middle Level

Damon Lewis

Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy
Norwalk, CT

Damon C. Lewis, EdD, is the principal of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy in Norwalk, CT. Previously, he was the assistant principal. Under his leadership, Ponus Ridge, a 6–8 middle school, reduced chronic absenteeism from 31% to 8% in one year. His school has increased the number of minority students in the gifted and talented program, and the number of female students in accelerated math. He has championed an equity-driven and “Every Day Counts” culture where PSAT scores for grade 8 students outpaced national, state, and district metrics. He is the facilitator for the Black Male Administrator cohort in the district and mentors younger principals. He has expanded course offerings to include coding, computer science, robotics, music technology, immersive media; more than 20 after-school clubs; a Hispanic parent group; an in-school food pantry for families; and a care closet. 

High School

Tony Cattani

Lenape High School
Medford, NJ

Tony Cattani has been the principal of Lenape High School in Medford, NJ, for 18 years. He is recognized for his role in developing a positive and inclusive school culture, where students and staff feel valued and supported. A visionary leader, he has championed professional collaboration, encouraging teachers to grow by learning from their most powerful resource—each other—through more than 3,000 peer observations and collegiality cafes. He models peer observation by sharing best practices with colleagues at multiple New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association conferences. Known as a tireless advocate for students, he consistently places their well-being and academic and personal growth at the forefront of every initiative. His dedication and impact have set a lasting standard for leadership within the Lenape community and beyond. He is also an executive council member of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. 

Sherilynn Boehlert

Schoenbar Middle School
Ketchikan, AK

Sherilynn Boehlert is the principal of Schoenbar Middle School in Ketchikan, AK. Previously, she was the school’s assistant principal and an elementary school principal. Under her leadership as principal of Point Higgins Elementary School, the school was named a National Blue Ribbon School. Additionally, she was selected for Arizona State University West’s Leadership for Educational Entrepreneurs program. These accomplishments highlight her commitment to educational excellence and leadership. She has long focused on student-centered decision-making, inclusive leadership, and data-driven practices, which all foster collaborative environments in her work.

Terita Walker

Denver East High School
Denver, CO

Terita Walker has served as the principal of East High School in Denver, CO, for four years. She has transformed the school into a model of inclusivity, academic excellence, and student empowerment. Through intentional leadership and a deep commitment to equity, she has fostered a culture where students and staff thrive. Recognizing that a strong school culture is built on trust and relationships, she prioritizes direct engagement with students, staff, parents, and the community. She hosts monthly coffee chats for parents and staff, engages regularly with the school’s more than 90 affinity groups, and co-hosts events with the East Angel Foundation. She credits the school’s success to the incredible students, dedicated leadership team, committed staff, supportive parents, engaged alumni, district partners, and the greater East community. 

Miguel Salazar

Sundown ISD
Sundown, TX

Miguel Salazar is the principal of Sundown Middle School in Sundown, TX. Previously he was a math teacher, coach, assistant principal, and high school principal. He is dedicated to fostering positive school cultures, promoting equity, and ensuring student success. His leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that a thriving educational community is built upon shared accountability, high standards, and continuous improvement. He champions proactive strategies to cultivate a positive school culture, focusing on building genuine relationships, addressing mental health needs, and celebrating student achievements. He is committed to equipping students with the academic, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed, and credits his staff for their willingness to carry out this vision. 

Shauna Haney

Ogden High School
Ogden, UT

Shauna Haney is the principal of Ogden High School in Ogden, UT. Previously, she was an assistant principal and exercise science, health, special education, and physical education teacher. A two-time Teacher of the Year (2008, 2013), she also received a Distinguished Leadership Award in 2014. Under her leadership, Ogden was one of Utah’s first schools to implement a no cell phone policy. Her leadership has also helped retain 90% of her teaching staff post-COVID, due to her focus on positive school culture and recognition of faculty and staff. Ogden is making strong progress on goals in literacy, graduation, PBIS, and talent development, and she credits its success to a dedicated faculty and staff, amazing students, and a supportive community.