Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, and the Department of Defense Education Activity will select one middle level and one high school principal to represent their state. State winners are selected from applications submitted to the state associations.
Each state’s selection process and deadlines vary. Application information for each state may be found by contacting your state affiliate.
2025 State Principals of the Year
2025 Alabama Principal of the Year
Anthony Sanders
Greensboro Middle School
Anthony “Tony” Sanders has served as the principal of Greensboro Middle School in Greensboro, AL, since 2011. Previously, he was assistant principal of Southside High School where he taught government and economics. Under his leadership, Greensboro Middle School was the first school to be recognized as an Alabama State Department of Education Systemic School Improvement Program Co-Teaching Demonstration Site. Greensboro Middle School is currently a Project Lead the Way School and a University of West Alabama School of Character. He has twice been named the Alabama Middle School Principal of the Year (2020 and 2025) and The Alabama State Department of Education ACCESS Virtual Learning Administrator of the Year (2022).
2025 Alaska Principal of the Year
Sherilynn Boehlert
Schoenbar Middle School
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.
2025 California Principal of the Year
Terri Daniels
Folsom Middle School, Folsom Cordova Unified School District
Terri Daniels, EdD, is the principal at Folsom Middle School in Folsom, CA. Previously, she was a principal/superintendent in served as a principal and assistant principal. At Folsom, she has fostered a culture devoted to equity, wellness, and continual growth. The 2025 NASSP National Advocacy Champion of the Year, she has focused much of her career on raising student voice in decision-making and advocating for equitable learning opportunities for all students, particularly those with special needs. She is blessed to have a strong administrative team, a committed staff, and a community of families who value education and promote a focus on student and family engagement.
2025 Colorado Principal of the Year
David Grabowski
SOROCO MS/HS
David Grabowski is the principal of SOROCO Middle/High School in Oak Creek, CO. Previously, he was an assistant principal, a math teacher, and a U.S. Army paratrooper. Under his leadership, SOROCO Middle School was recently named a national “School to Watch.” The South Routt School District RE-3, in which SOROCO Middle School is the only middle school, was recently recognized as a district of distinction by the Colorado Department of Education. SOROCO Middle School has also won the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award for demonstrating exceptional student growth.
2025 Connecticut Principal of the Year
Dr. Damon Lewis
Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy
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.
2025 Georgia Principal of the Year
Michael Perry
Greenville Middle School
Michael Perry is the principal of Greenville Middle School in Greenville, GA. Previously, he was an assistant principal and a special education teacher. A champion for equity and whole-child-centered learning, he has led remarkable growth. Under his leadership, reading proficiency increased from 25.60% in 2022 to 59.51% in 2024. That year, Greenville earned multiple honors, including National High Flying School, Advancing Achievement School, Distinguished Breakout School, and Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School. He was also named a Curriculum Associates Extraordinary Educator. Within one year, he led Greenville off the Comprehensive Support & Improvement list; it had ranked among the bottom 5% of Title I schools in the state. He credits the school’s success to resilient scholars, dedicated staff, a supportive community, and a collaborative, solution-focused leadership approach.
2025 Hawaii Principal of the Year
Jacquelyn McCandless
Maui Waena Intermediate School
Jacquelyn “Jacque” McCandless is the principal of Maui Waena Intermediate School in Kahului, HI. Previously, she was the school’s vice-principal. In 2011, McCandless was named Hawaii Assistant Principal of the Year. In 2020, she was recognized as a nominee for the Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award. Through her personal commitment to Maui Waena, she has created an environment where students’ voices are heard and valued, families are supported, and the community is connected to promote a strong sense of belonging and a positive school culture. She credits the staff’s commitment to students and one another in the successes they have achieved together.
2025 Idaho Principal of the Year
Chad Wright
Les Bois Jr High School (Boise School District)
Chad Wright has served as the principal of Les Bois Jr. High School in Boise, ID, since 2021. Previously, he was a high school assistant principal, summer school administrator, physical education teacher, athletic administrator, and coach. He is known for fostering a positive, inclusive school culture where all students feel supported and valued. He believes that high expectations and academic rigor for every student can be achieved by supporting and empowering staff through open communication, shared leadership, collaboration, and a focus on continuous improvement. He praises the dedicated staff, awesome students, supportive parents, and district leadership for making Les Bois an outstanding school.
2025 Indiana Principal of the Year
Steven Pelych
Creekside Middle School (Carmel Clay Schools)
Steven Pelych is the principal of Creekside Middle School in Carmel, IN. With approximately 1,450 students in grades 6–8, the school is one of the largest middle schools in the state. Under his leadership, Creekside students have scored in the top three public middle schools in both math and English on the statewide assessment each of the past three years. In addition to his role as principal, he’s a mentor with the Indiana Principal Leadership Institute and the District 5 President of the Indiana Association of School Principals. He serves on the Alumni Board of Directors for Butler University and is involved in his local community, volunteering with multiple youth sports and serving as an Advisory Board Member for the Lilly Scholars Network.
2025 Iowa Principal of the Year
Paul Gebel
Denver Middle School
Paul Gebel is the principal of Denver Middle School in Denver, IA. With a steadfast commitment to student achievement and educational excellence, he fosters a collaborative and inclusive school culture that has empowered both students and staff for the past 22 years. His leadership is characterized by innovation, integrity, and a dedication to continuous improvement, making him a respected figure in Iowa’s educational community. During his tenure, Denver was named a National Blue Ribbon School, recognized as a Model All Things PLC School, and named Bank Iowa Challenge Cup School Champion. Paul prides his daily work around curriculum, SEL, PLC structures, and staff/student relationships.
2025 Kansas Principal of the Year
Inge Esping
McPherson Middle School
Inge Esping is the principal of McPherson Middle School in McPherson, KS. During her tenure, she has led a cultural transformation centered on safety, connection, and consistency. Through strategic collaboration with teachers, families, and community stakeholders, she has implemented impactful initiatives such as Bullpup Time Advisory, which promotes social-emotional learning and character development, and the Resiliency Initiative, which equips staff with trauma-informed practices. She also created the Parents in Partnership program to strengthen family engagement and foster community connection. Her leadership has resulted in a 21% drop in chronic absenteeism, a 43% decrease in suspensions, and a sharp decline in failing grades. Under her leadership, McPherson has been recognized as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School for five consecutive years.
2025 Maryland Principal of the Year
Kelly McVey
Southern Middle School
Kelly McVey is the principal of Southern Middle School in Lothian, MD. She began her career teaching social studies before transitioning to administration as an assistant principal at North County High School. She later served at Old Mill Middle South before becoming principal. Under her leadership, Southern has earned three stars on the Maryland School Report Card for three consecutive years. Despite shifting student demographics, the school has shown steady growth in student achievement, particularly in English language arts. Last year, English language development students tied for second in growth among comprehensive middle schools, and seventh graders led the county in ELA growth. Southern was also named a 2024 Wellness School of Distinction for prioritizing the health and well-being of the entire school community.
2025 Michigan Principal of the Year
Ingrid Dettman
Corunna Public Schools – Corunna Middle School
Ingrid Dettman has served as principal of Corunna Middle School in Corunna, MI, since 2020. Previously, she was assistant principal and taught sixth and seventh grade English language arts. Under her leadership, her staff and students have become empowered to be part of meaningful change within the building. She has strengthened the educational process and increased school spirit, while creating a culture that values multiple perspectives and the delivery of quality instruction. She also leads an active PTO that plays a pivotal role in bringing extra opportunities to her students.
2025 Minnesota Principal of the Year
John Awsumb
A. I. Jedlicka Middle School/ Proctor Public Schools
John Awsumb is the principal of A. I. Jedlicka Middle School in Proctor, MN. Previously, he was an English language arts teacher and an assistant principal. He has partnered with staff to culturally transform the school by implementing PBIS and restorative practices to foster a positive and welcoming experience for students, staff, and parents alike. He believes school culture drives academics, and during the past three years, Jedlicka has seen double digit increases in all state assessments for reading, math, and science. An open collaborator, he welcomes staff input for programmatic and policy decision-making, which promotes buy-in from faculty and staff and has built a lot of trust within the school. In 2019, he was named an NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal. In 2024, he was recognized as Northeast Minnesota’s Principal of the Year.
2025 Mississippi Principal of the Year
Lindsay Brett
Lee County Schools
Lindsay Brett is the director of community partnerships and middle school curriculum for Lee County School District in Tupelo, MS, and the former principal of Plantersville Middle School. Previously, she was a theatre teacher, ESL Director, and assistant principal. At Plantersville, she and her team transformed the culture, increased teacher retention, and partnered with the community for various grants and programs. During her tenure, the high-needs school improved more than 105 points in accountability and teacher retention improved to 97%. She has received multiple awards in her community and serves on multiple local and state boards. She is also an adjunct instructor at three universities in Mississippi.
2025 Missouri Principal of the Year
Tori Snitker
Rolla Junior High School
Tori Snitker, EdD, is the principal of Rolla Junior High School in Rolla, MO. Previously, she was assistant principal and principal of Salem High School. With 20 years of teaching experience in high school and seventh-grade math, she emphasizes the importance of addressing the whole child. She is committed to student success and creating an inclusive environment. Her leadership promotes high expectations through promotion of positive character traits, advisory meetings on essential life skills, and a focus on personal growth. To prioritize student achievement and intervention, she relies on data-driven decision-making to support all students. This year, she aimed for every student to participate in at least one school activity, achieving a 75% participation rate in clubs and organizations
2025 Nebraska Principal of the Year
Bill Curry
Boone Central Middle School
Bill Curry is the principal of Boone Central Middle School in Albion, NE. Previously, he was a middle school teacher. In 2005, he became an administrator, serving as a 7–12 principal in Shelby, a small rural Nebraska school. He helped navigate a merger with its neighbor to the east, Rising City, resulting in the creation of the Shelby-Rising City Middle School. Under his leadership, the school received an excellent state rating and was recognized as demonstrating the most improvement on the state test of any middle school in Nebraska in 2015. He currently serves on the local board of TeamMates Mentoring, a statewide student mentoring program. He also holds a school bus endorsement, which allows him to substitute as a bus driver when needed. He is proud of the work his middle school is doing to help students live out the “Cardinal Way” by building character, creating opportunities, and striving for success.
2025 New York Principal of the Year
Rebecca Belkota
Perry Central School District
Rebecca Belkota is the secondary principal of Perry Junior Senior High School in Perry, NY. She has cultivated a school culture rooted in strong relationships, with a focus on mental health and social-emotional learning. She introduced a structured process for data review and established an MTSS team that collaborates weekly to analyze both quantitative data and qualitative feedback from instructional staff to ensure comprehensive support for students and their families. Under her guidance, instructional teams work collaboratively to develop standards-based curriculum, aligning instruction and assessment. She consistently champions innovative teaching and curriculum to create engaging, student-centered learning. Her leadership has resulted in notable improvements in student achievement and a significant increase in graduation rates, reflecting her deep commitment to academic excellence and the holistic success of every student.
2025 Oklahoma Principal of the Year
Blaine Wise
Glenpool Middle School
Blaine Wise is the principal of Glenpool Middle School in Glenpool, OK. Previously he was an assistant principal, history teacher, and coach of multiple sports. Under his leadership, Glenpool has experienced academic growth in math and reading on state tests while having extraordinary attendance rates. His school has been designated a certified healthy school, a recognition for school sites that make a positive impact on the health of employees, patrons, and students. Glenpool received $40,000 in technology and $25,000 in professional development through the Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust to improve authentic teaching and learning and academic achievement. His school has also received more than $10,000 through the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust to purchase physical education equipment. He credits student success to a targeted RTI system, PLCs, his staff’s willingness to do what is best for all students, and supportive and engaged parents.
2025 Oregon Principal of the Year
Randy Dalton
Molalla River Middle School
Randy Dalton is the principal of Molalla River Middle School in Molalla, OR. He began his career as a science teacher and coach before stepping into leadership at the age of 25, becoming one of the youngest administrators in Oregon. He is known for his unwavering commitment to the community, expansion of course offerings and student clubs, and consistent gains in student achievement on state assessments. He also played a pivotal role in helping the community pass a school bond for the first time in more than 30 years to replace the aging middle school facility. With a unique background that includes an MBA, he blends educational insight with business acumen to build a dynamic, student-centered school culture.
2025 South Dakota Principal of the Year
Bo Beck
Holgate Middle School — Aberdeen Public School District
Bo Beck is the principal of Holgate Middle School in Aberdeen, SD. Previously, he was a superintendent, principal, and athletic director. He is known for outstanding leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to student success. Under his guidance, Holgate has flourished thanks to a culture of excellence, innovation, and community engagement. He also serves on the executive board of the South Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals as the Region 4 Representative and is a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Aberdeen Area, demonstrating his commitment to supporting youth both inside and outside the classroom.
2025 Tennessee Principal of the Year
Alicia Justice
Legacy Middle School
Alicia Justice, EdD, is the principal of Legacy Middle School in Franklin, TN. Previously, she was an elementary school assistant principal, principal, a district mentor for new teachers, a high school biology teacher, and an anatomy/physiology honors teacher. At Legacy, she has established community partnerships and relationships with future students, parents, and staff. As the school’s first principal, she had the opportunity to lead and support the visioning and building of a new school community during the pandemic. She has served alongside amazing campus leaders and credits Legacy’s success to outstanding students, hard-working staff, and supportive community and parent leaders. The school’s cultural beliefs represent and demonstrate the positive culture of excellence that exists daily. In just a short time, Legacy has been named a top middle school in Tennessee for the 2024 and 2025 school years by U.S. News & World Report.
2025 Texas Principal of the Year
Miguel Salazar
Sundown ISD
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.
2025 Utah Principal of the Year
Matthew Patterson
Mountain View Junior HIgh
Matthew Patterson is the founding principal of Mountain View Junior High, where he has led the creation of a positive, inclusive school culture from the ground up. Centered on the belief that every person has a name, face, voice, and purpose, Patterson implemented MTSS and the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework to support academic and emotional well-being. He fosters equity through data-driven decisions, culturally responsive practices, and student voice initiatives like Thundering Teal and Hope Squad. His leadership embodies empathy, grit, and the Maverick spirit of trailblazing toward greatness.
2025 Virginia Principal of the Year
Candice Welch
Queens Lake Middle School, York County School Division
Candice Welch is the principal of Queens Lake Middle School in Williamsburg, VA. Previously, she was an assistant principal, math specialist, and seventh- and eighth-grade math teacher. She has spent her career laser focused on high-quality instruction and creating a positive school culture that is inclusive, supportive, and empowering for students. Her dedication to student achievement, implementation of a highly- developed PBIS program, and commitment to a student-first mentality has led to a 21% increase in student connections as well as an 8% decrease in chronic absenteeism. She credits an outstanding and dedicated staff, student body, and supportive and special Queens Lake community for continuing to make positive gains at the school.