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.
2026 State Principals of the Year
2026 Alabama Principal of the Year
Katherine “Kelli” Fischer
Opelika High School
Kelli Fischer is the principal of Opelika High School in Opelika, AL. She has led intentional, schoolwide efforts centered on student belonging, engagement, and academic growth. She spearheaded the implementation of Dawg Impact Groups (DIG), a daily advisory model designed to ensure every student is known, supported, and connected, as well as the Dedicated Dawgs incentive program, which promotes positive behavior, improved attendance, and academic achievement. These initiatives have contributed to a reduction in chronic absenteeism and an increase in the school’s state report card score. She leads with a relational, student-centered approach and a deep commitment to the whole child, crediting the school’s progress to strong partnerships among students, staff, families, and the Opelika community.
2026 Arizona Principal of the Year
Geoff Parks
Andrada Polytechnic High School
Geoff Parks is the principal of Andrada Polytechnic High School in Vail, AZ. He is recognized for intentional communication, strong academic outcomes, and community-centered leadership rooted in inclusion. Under his leadership, first-choice enrollment doubled from 9.2% to 18.4%, parent engagement increased nearly fivefold, and chronic absenteeism dropped from 25% to 15%. Academically, 99.25% of students demonstrated full academic growth last school year, ACT composite scores rose nearly two points, and failure rates were cut in half. He has expanded Andrada’s role as a community hub by hosting inclusive events that bring the entire Vail community together to connect, celebrate, and experience the school. He credits success to strong staff collaboration, community partnerships, and student-centered leadership.
2026 Arkansas Principal of the Year
Lisa Williams
Rogers High School
Lisa Williams is the principal of Rogers High School in Rogers, AR. She is known for building a strong climate and culture centered on relationships, high expectations, and student success. Under her leadership, Rogers High School became the first high school in the state to offer the Cambridge program, expanding rigorous academic opportunities for students. She has also led intentional efforts to strengthen school pride, improve academic outcomes, and create a welcoming, inclusive environment where students and staff can thrive. She credits the school’s success to the dedication of students, staff, families, district partners, and the Rogers community. She believes sustained excellence is built through trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to growth.
2026 California Principal of the Year
Derrick Lawson
Indio High School
Derrick Lawson recently completed nine years as the principal of his alma mater, Indio High School in Indio, CA, concluding a 31-year career in school leadership that included opening two new campuses. Throughout his tenure in high-poverty schools, he successfully transitioned two institutions from targeted assistance to state-honored “Distinguished Schools.” Driven by the conviction that every student deserves opportunity, he championed the full inclusion of students with disabilities and English learners in CTE, electives, and dual enrollment programs. These initiatives moved both groups two to three bands on state reporting dashboards. Beyond campus improvements, he launched National Honor Society and National Student Council chapters at Indio High. For the past decade, he has also directed the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Principals Academies, mentoring leaders across the state.
2026 Colorado Principal of the Year
ToniJo Niccoli
New Meridian High School & The Career Elevation and Technical Education Center
ToniJo Niccoli is the principal of New Meridian High School and the Career Elevation and Technology Center in Longmont, CO. A champion of equity and innovation, she has transformed her campus by fostering a culture of high expectations and high-leverage success systems. Under her leadership, the on-time graduation rate skyrocketed from 12.5% to nearly 90%, while the dropout rate fell from 23% to below 3%. She credits her staff’s tenacity and her students’ perseverance for this success. Through their dedication, students can access rigorous CTE pathways and advanced coursework, ensuring a competitive advantage. Recognized for her inclusive leadership, she champions the seamless fusion of academic rigor and global workforce readiness.
2026 Connecticut Principal of the Year
Anthony Salutari Jr
Daniel Hand High School
Anthony “T.J.” Salutari has served as the principal of Daniel Hand High School in Madison, CT, for 13 years. He is recognized for a student-centered approach that balances academic rigor with social-emotional well-being. He spearheaded a CASEL-aligned advisory program and Wellness Wednesdays, leading to a 20% increase in students reporting a caring school climate. His commitment to equity is further evidenced by the elimination of low-level math tracks, resulting in a 100% pass rate in Algebra I. Under his leadership, the school was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2024. He remains a visible community pillar in Madison, mentoring students through civic engagement and fostering a culture of trust. He is grateful to work alongside his dedicated staff, outstanding students, and their families.
2026 Florida Principal of the Year
Ryan Chase
Sarasota High School
Ryan Chase is the principal of Sarasota High School in Sarasota, FL, where he exemplifies visionary leadership defined by clarity, accountability, and trust. Guided by the conviction that schools change lives when purpose, people, and possibility are aligned, he has led the school to historic academic success and sustained improvement. In 2025, the school achieved unprecedented milestones, earning the highest graduation rate in its 111-year history and its highest ever school grade, “A-rating.” He challenged the school community to fully claim its identity and legacy as the county’s namesake high school through “We Are Sarasota,” a unifying vision that raised expectations and reinforced collective ownership. He paired that work with the award-winning mentoring initiative, “No Cap, Get Your Cap,” focused on supporting the school’s most at-risk seniors, ensuring they crossed the graduation stage. His leadership reflects a consistent focus on turning vision into measurable outcomes and opportunity into achievement.
2026 Georgia Principal of the Year
Chris Chastain
Brooks County High School
Chris Chastain, EdD, has served as the principal of Brooks County High School in Quitman, GA, for nine years. He began his career in education in 2002, serving as a teacher, academic coach, assistant principal, and school leader. He is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, strong instruction, and meaningful relationships within the Brooks County community, and he believes every student deserves a champion.
2026 Hawaii Principal of the Year
Christine Udarbe
Nānākuli High and Intermediate School
Christine Udarbe, EdD, is the principal of Nānākuli High and Intermediate School in Honolulu, HI, and a leader in the Hawaii State Department of Education, where she has served since 2024. She was named the 2026 Hawaii Secondary Principal of the Year by the Hawaii Association of Secondary School Administrators (HASSA) and recognized as a 2026 and 2023 NAESP Leeward District Distinguished Principal. Through visionary, data-driven leadership, she has led a comprehensive campus transformation grounded in restorative and trauma-informed practices, systemic safety improvements, and a strong foundation for stakeholder collaboration that continues to evolve. Central to her leadership is an intentional focus on enhancing teaching and learning practices, strengthening instructional coherence, and building educator efficacy to ensure high-quality learning experiences in every classroom. She has cultivated a culture of safety, trust, and support in which both students and staff are empowered to excel, innovate, and thrive together.
2026 Idaho Principal of the Year
Rachel Jensen
Idaho Home Learning Academy
Rachel Jensen is the high school principal of Idaho Home Learning Academy (IHLA)in Boise, ID. IHLA is Idaho’s largest virtual public school, serving nearly 8,000 students across 70% of the state’s zip codes, many in rural communities with limited educational access. Under her leadership, the school’s juniors outperform state averages in ELA and science, and 70% of the senior class has earned college credits or professional certifications. Her daily work proves that online education can be personal, supportive, and student-centered, with 78% of students reporting that their teachers always care about them. Previously, recognized as Idaho School Counselor of the Year in 2019, she brings a student-centered approach to leadership. She credits IHLA’s success to dedicated teachers, supportive families, and students who embrace learning on their own terms.
2026 Illinois Principal of the Year
Marcus Belin
Huntley High School
Marcus Belin, EdD, has served as the principal of Huntley High School in Huntley, IL, since 2018. A prould Chicago South Side native, he began his career as a middle school social studies teacher before becoming a dean and assistant principal. He has dedicated his work to building strong school cultures and expanding meaningful opportunities for all students. The first Black president of the Illinois Principals Association (IPA), a past IPA High School Principal of the Year, and a 40 Leaders Under 40 honoree, he is a servant leader who believes every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and loved.
2026 Indiana Principal of the Year
Amy Boone
Southport High School
Amy Boone is the principal of Southport High School in Indianapolis, IN. A former assistant and associate principal, she has led work in student services, professional development, state testing, English Learner programming, counseling, and graduation pathways. Guided by Southport’s theme, “Connect, Ignite, Empower,” she has intentionally built a culture grounded in trust, shared leadership, and data-informed decision-making. Through collaborative mission work, student voice initiatives, MTSS structures, and a Freshman Success Team, she prioritizes emotional and physical safety as the foundation for achievement. She is a two-time District 7 Assistant Principal of the Year, 2022 Indiana Assistant Principal of the Year, and Indiana’s 2025 High School Principal of the Year.
2026 Iowa Principal of the Year
Mitch Gross
Iowa City West High School
2026 Kansas Principal of the Year
Kurt Seiler
Independence High School
Kurt Seiler is the head principal of Independence High School in Independence, KS, where he has led the school through a period of sustained growth and improvement. During his tenure, the graduation rate has increased from 79% to 94%, reflecting a strong commitment to student achievement and postsecondary readiness. Average daily attendance has risen from 92% to 95%, and the student failure rate has been reduced by 75%, signaling improved engagement and academic support systems. His leadership is grounded in high expectations, collaborative problem-solving, and data-informed practices. He credits these accomplishments to the dedication of an exceptional staff, a strong administrative team, and students who consistently rise to the expectations set before them.
2026 Kentucky Principal of the Year
Deatrik Kinney
Paducah Tilghman High School
Deatrik Kinney is the principal of Paducah Tilghman High School in Paducah KY. Previously, he was a health and physical education teacher, and an assistant principal. Throughout his career, he has participated in the Kentucky Association of School Administrators is currently vice president of. During my tenure at at Paducah Tilghman, test scores increased 17.4%, and the graduation rate has also significantly increased.
2026 Louisiana Principal of the Year
Anna Faye Caminita
Ponchatoula High School
Anna Faye Caminita, EdD, is the principal of Ponchatoula High School in Ponchatoula, LA. With 32 years of educational experience in the state, she has an extensive track record of growing students and school scores. A Sallie Mae New Teacher of the Year in Jefferson Parish, she was also named an Alumni of the Year by Our Lady of Holy Cross College. Her proudest professional achievement was being selected in 2003 to serve as a Distinguished Educator with the Louisiana State Department of Education to assist struggling schools. She prioritizes growth in instructional leadership and truly believes that every student can achieve.
2026 Maryland Principal of the Year
Ryan Durr
Meade High School
Ryan C. Durr is the principal of Meade High School in Fort Meade, MD, where he has led a sustained transformation centered on culture, systems, and student outcomes. Grounded in presence, proximity, and purpose, he prioritizes visible leadership, strong relationships, and shared accountability. Through data-informed practices, he has led the school in improved attendance, significant reductions in physical altercations and disciplinary incidents, and continued academic growth. Most recently, Meade High School was named a Top Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America, the only school in Maryland to receive this honor. He attributes Meade’s progress to the collective efforts of students, staff, families, and community partners.
2026 Massachusetts Principal of the Year
Scott Palladino
Wareham High School
Scott Palladino has served as the principal of Wareham High School in Wareham, MA, for 16 years. During his tenure, the school has increased graduation requirements, expanded vocational and elective offerings, and doubled the number of AP courses available to students. Student voice has been a central focus of his leadership, with deliberate efforts to incorporate student perspectives into all aspects of school governance and decision-making through the School Committee, School Council, Student Advisory Council, and advisory representatives. He consistently credits the school’s success to the collaborative efforts of students, parents, and staff. Notably, many of the students he currently serves are children of Wareham High School graduates whom he taught earlier in his career, underscoring his longstanding commitment to the Wareham community.
2026 Michigan Principal of the Year
Tielannette Schurman
Midland High School
Tiela Schurman is the principal of Midland High School in Midland, MI. A transformational leader with more than 20 years of experience in education, she began her career in Arizona, serving as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal in high-diversity, Title I secondary schools. She is recognized for advancing equity, restorative practices, and trauma-informed systems that promote student well-being and academic success. She has strengthened MTSS structures for academics and behavior, improved instructional alignment through collaborative teacher teams, and fostered an inclusive school culture grounded in relationships and trust. She is deeply committed to leadership development, mentoring new principals through Michicang Association of Secondary School Principals and recently serving on the Board of Directors. She credits the school’s growth to dedicated staff, engaged families, and resilient students.
2026 Minnesota Principal of the Year
Rob Reetz
Mounds View Senior High School
Rob Reetz is the principal of Mounds View High School in Arden Hills, MN , where he prioritizes a leadership model built on authentic partnership. He believes educators most effectively support the systems and structures they help design. As a result, he paired a staff request for cell phone restrictions into a broader initiative to increase student efficacy. Under his leadership, he and his team implemented an equal interval grading scale and proficiency scales to clarify the purpose and progression of student learning. This strategic shift led to a significant decline in failed courses: Freshmen failure rates plummeted by 76.1%, while failures dropped by 41.5% for sophomores, 39.4% for juniors, and 26.9% for seniors. Through these systemic changes, he continues to drive measurable improvements in student efficacy and achievement.
2026 Mississippi Principal of the Year
Lewis Bradford
Northwest Rankin High School
Lewis Bradford served as the principal of Northwest Rankin High School in Flowood, MS, for three years before moving into his current role as executive director of facilities and operations in the Rankin County School District. A 20-year veteran educator, he is known for his passion to be the very best version of himself each day and for challenging others to “chase their it” in pursuit of excellence. His leadership is grounded in authentic relationships, intentional listening, and a genuine love for Northwest Rankin. He consistently made decisions rooted in what was best for the school’s culture, climate, and community. He credits the school’s success to great students, great staff, and a supportive community.
2026 Missouri Principal of the Year
Valerie Ivy
Poplar Bluff High School
Valerie V. Ivy, EdD, is the first female head principal of her alma mater, Poplar Bluff High School (PBHS) in Poplar Bluff, MO. A 22-year veteran educator with teaching and instructional coaching experience, and President-Elect of Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals Southeast Region, she is a distinguished advocate for academic rigor and inclusivity. Known for cultivating respect and teamwork, she has earned widespread community admiration. She co-founded her district’s internal PD program a decade ago, fostering systemic growth among educators. Under her stewardship, PBHS earned ESPN’s Special Olympics Unified Champion National Banner School designation. Her leadership has yielded transformative results, reducing chronic absenteeism by 49% and academic failure by 47%.
2026 Montana Principal of the Year
Jason Slater
Whitehall High School
Jason Slater is the principal of Whitehall High School in Whitehall, MT. Previously, he served six years in the U.S. Air Force, earning awards and a promotion for leadership. He began his career teaching and coaching in Ennis, earning Young Teacher of the Year (2004). In Thompson Falls, he served as teacher, principal, and superintendent. He is president of the Montanna Association of Secondary School Prinicpals.
2026 Nebraska Principal of the Year
Johnnie Ostermeyer
Crofton Jr/Sr High School
Johnnie Ostermeyer is the principal of Crofton High School in Crofton, NE. He has strengthened partnerships between the school and community through intentional outreach and trust-building. Community Service Day, the Homecoming Parade, and Crofton’s Dam Race reflect that shared commitment. He is especially proud of the 1-to-1 iPad program, in its eighth year, which ensures equitable access to technology and prepares students with skills in digital workflow, learning management systems, and artificial intelligence. A former He Region III president, he is active in regional and state principal organizations, and has presented at both state and national Conferences.
2026 Nevada Principal of the Year
Colin McNaught
Cimarron-Memorial High School
Colin McNaught is the principal of Cimarron-Memorial High School in Las Vegas, NV. He began his career at Cimarron in 2013 as a biology teacher. He later served as a student council adviser, dean of students and assistant principal. A former Teach for America educator, he is committed to high standards, strong relationships, transparency, and collaborative leadership to ensure every student thrives.
2026 New Hampshire Principal of the Year
Christopher Tebo
Somersworth High School
Chris Tebo is the principal of Somersworth High School in Somersworth, NH, where he leads by example and embodies a solution-oriented mindset, ensuring that all stakeholders feel valued and heard. Teachers, students, and support staff embrace the collaborative spirit that he has cultivated. Under his leadership, the school has worked toward supporting students holistically and prioritized addressing communitywide mental health challenges. These efforts have led to the opening of a first-in-the-state School Based Clinical Health Center and the implementation of the nationally recognized Teen Mental Health First Aid Curriculum. He is deeply honored to be recognized as the New Hampshire High School Principal of the Year and is grateful to be part of such a dedicated and caring community of educators in the Somersworth School District.
2026 New Jersey Principal of the Year
Patricia Riley
Hopewell Valley Central High School
Patricia Riley is the principal of Hopewell Valley Central High School in Pennington, NJ, where she has prioritized celebration, inclusion, and connection. Through initiatives such as the Student Wellness Center, positive praise referral system, handwritten birthday cards to every student, and schoolwide clapouts, she has tried to ensure that every student and staff member feels valued, seen, and celebrated. She has also promoted inclusion and connection through the establishment of Unified programming and a Service Learning Pathway. The combination of these efforts resulted in graduation requirements in service learning and cultural competence, increased community connections, and national recognition as a Unified Champion School. She credits the school’s outstanding students and staff for the success of these initiatives.
2026 New Mexico Principal of the Year
Millan Baca
Rio Rancho High School
Millan Baca is the principal of Rio Rancho High School in Rio Rancho, NM. Previously, he served as an assistant principal. His goal is to provide the best experience for every student regardless of the interests or challenges they bring to the school. He works to improve student outcomes through rewarding students for good attendance, protecting instructional time, and expanding tutoring opportunities. He leads a fantastic team of administrators and empowers them to make sound decisions in line with his educational philosophy and the mission and vision of the campus. He is grateful to be named New Mexico Principal of the Year and credits an incredible campus community with this honor.
2026 New York Principal of the Year
Joshua Dann
Saranac Lake High School
Joshua Dann is the principal of Saranac Lake High School in Saranac, NY. Previously, he was the middle school dean of dtudents and an elementary school principal. Under his leadership, Saranac Lake High School has expanded acaemic offerings. It now offers seven AP courses, 12 college-level courses, multiple CTE pathways, and two New Vision programs. He developed an Academic Support Program providing daily interventions for at-risk students, contributing to significant improvements in achievement and graduation outcomes. The school’s four-year graduation rate has risen from roughly 83% when he began his tenure to as high as 99% in 2021, and 95% in 2024. Beyond academics and culture, his community impact is profound. For 11 years, he has helped raise more than $300,000 through the annual Turkey Trot that supports students facing financial hardship and assists with essentials such as food, clothing, heating assistance, internet access, exam fees, and enrichment opportunities. A longtime hockey official, varsity coach, and former youth hockey leader, he serves on the Section 7 Athletic Council and is the vice president of the Saranac Lake Civic Center Board.
2026 North Carolina Principal of the Year
Jason Johnson
Orange High School
Jason Johnson is the principal of Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC, and the North Carolina Principal of the Year. With more than 25 years in education, he has served as a teacher and leader in Chatham and Guilford County Schools and as a school transformation coach with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. He first led Orange High from 2012–16 and returned as principal in 2021, reaffirming his commitment to the school community. A two-time Orange County Principal of the Year (2010, 2025), he has also served on the district’s Equity Task Force. His “lead with love” philosophy drives his focus on equity and academic growth for all students.
2026 North Dakota Principal of the Year
Jason Schwabe
Thompson High School
Jason Schwabe is rhe principal of Thompson High School in Thompson, ND. A 22-year veteran principal , he has taken thoughtful and intentional steps to strengthen the culture of his school, with a focus on both academic achievement and the emotional well-being of students and staff. Under his leadership, the school has implemented systems ensuring that every student has a trusted adult connection within the building, reinforcing a sense of belonging and support. Known for leading by example and communicating with clarity, he has fostered a culture where students feel respected, listened to, and prepared for success in school, career, and life. Families, colleagues, and community members consistently commend his partnership-driven approach and unwavering commitment to what is best for kids.
2026 Ohio Principal of the Year
Michael King
Geneva High School
Michael King is the principal of Geneva High School in Geneva, OH. Previously, he taught social studies and served as an elementary, middle and high school principal. At Geneva High School, he is known for building strong relationships, fostering a positive school culture, and keeping student-learning at the center of every decision. He is a strong advocate for collaborative leadership, effective teacher-based teams, and data-informed instructional practices that support both academic growth and student well-being. The school has received multiple awards from the state for academic improvement, achievement, and student/community engagement.
2026 Oklahoma Principal of the Year
Ben Pemberton
Fort Gibson High School
Ben Pemberton is the principal of Fort Gibson High School in Fort Gibson, OK. Previously, he was a middle school principal, middle school assistant principal, social studies teacher, and coach. During his seven years as principal, the school leadership team successfully implemented initiatives to increase every category on the state report card. As a result, graduation rates increased from 87% to 99% and attendance rates increased from 78.8% to 94%. In 2025, Fort Gibson High School was named a Blue Ribbon School for the first time in school history. He attributes the school’s success to a supportive community, forward-thinking administration, a dedicated and talented teaching staff, and high-achieving students.
2026 South Carolina Principal of the Year
Ashley Wardlaw
Blue Ridge High School
A proud alumni of Blue Ridge High School in Greer, SC, Ashley Wardlaw has served as principal for the past 4 years, leading the school through a period of historic growth and transformation. Under her leadership, the school earned recognition as the district’s Top Performing High School and Highest Growth High School, demonstrating that poverty is not destiny when strong leadership and systems are in place. She has cultivated a culture grounded in relationships, organization, achievement, and rally, prioritizing emotional and physical well-being, equity, and student voice. Through data-driven instruction, shared leadership, and global and community partnerships, she has significantly increased graduation rates, college and career readiness, and achievement for all learners, particularly students with disabilities.
2026 South Dakota Principal of the Year
Kendra Becker
White River Middle School
Kendra Becker has served as the secondary principal of Redfield Jr./Sr. High School in Redfield, SD, for eight years. She believes her recognition as South Dakota Principal fo the Year reflects her entire school community’s commitment to excellence. Through its CORE Day initiative—focusing on Character, Opportunity, Resilience, and Excellence—the school has seen growth in attendance, academic achievement, a decrease in major violations, and an increase in student participation in school activities. Her staff has embraced the “All In” theme, leading collaborative decision-making that empowers everyone. She has brought inspiring speakers to campus and prioritized improvements beyond the classroom. Most importantly, she has built a culture where students know how much she and her staff care.
2026 Tennessee Principal of the Year
Jonathan Minton
Elizabethton High School
Jonathan Isaac Minton is in his seventh year as the principal of Elizabethton High School in Elizabethton, TN, where he has led the school through a period of sustained academic growth, cultural renewal, and instructional innovation. Under his leadership, English and mathematics achievement have improved significantly, with student performance placing the school among the top performers in the state. He has expanded equitable access to advanced coursework, work-based learning, and mental health services while strengthening student voice and leadership. Beyond his school, he serves as chair of the East Tennessee Principal Study Council and co-hosts “Beyond the Bell: School Leadership Series” podcast.
2026 Texas Principal of the Year
Kara Lea Deardorff
Byron Nelson High School
Kara Lea Deardorff is the principal of Byron Nelson High School in Trophy Club, TX. A lifelong educator, she began her career in the classroom before advancing into leadership, where she has become a dedicated and trusted leader. She has proudly served the Byron Nelson campus for 12 years, including four years as principal and eight years as associate principal. A fierce advocate for campus culture, she champions the school’s motto, “”Learn, Serve, Lead,”” by ensuring every student feels a deep sense of belonging.
2026 Utah Principal of the Year
Michael Martini
West Field High School
Mike Martini is the principal of West Field High School in Taylor, UT. He had the privilege of opening this brand-new high school—an intensive and deeply rewarding experience that provided invaluable learning opportunities while establishing strong foundations for students, staff, and the community. With more than a decade of experience in secondary education and school administration, he is recognized for his student-centered leadership, relationship-driven approach, and ability to build systems that support high levels of learning for all students. Raised on a dairy farm, he learned the value of hard work and perseverance at an early age. Guided by deep roots in his community and a clear vision for excellence, he leads with purpose and pride ensuring West Field High School is a place where students, staff, and families can thrive together.
2026 Virginia Principal of the Year
Derek Cantrell
Alleghany High School
Derek Cantrell is the principal of Alleghany High School in Covington, VA, where he has led the consolidation of two rival schools into one unified high school community. He is recognized for building a strong, student-centered culture grounded in shared leadership and the “Better Together” philosophy. Under his leadership, Alleghany High School has expanded dual enrollment opportunities and experienced steady gains in reading and writing achievement. He has also integrated artificial intelligence to support instruction and data-informed decision-making. He credits the school’s success to dedicated students, staff, families, and community partners.
2026 Washington Principal of the Year
Brent Osborn
Lakeside High School
Brent Osborn, EdD, is the principal of Lakeside High School in Nine Mile Falls, WA. He has 18 years of experience as a high school principal. He is recognized for his sustained leadership in improving academic outcomes and expanding access to rigorous coursework, particularly for students from historically underserved backgrounds. Under his leadership, Lakeside High School has strengthened college in the high school offerings and implemented data-informed advising and intervention systems to close opportunity gaps. Beyond his school, he has made significant contributions to education across the state through his service as president of the Association of Washington School Principals and chair of multiple statewide committees. His work in professional development and legislative advocacy has elevated the voice of school leaders and strengthened public education statewide.
2025 Wisconsin Principal of the Year
Brian Cox
Verona Area High School
Brian E. Cox is the principal of Verona Area High School in Verona, WI. Throughout his 24 years in education, he has built inclusive structures where every student is seen, valued, and loved. A nationally recognized leader, he received the Milken Educator Award (referred to as the “Oscars of Education”) and Herb Kohl Leadership Award, achieving the rare distinction of being named Assistant Principal and Principal of the Year in two separate states. Driven by a philosophy of collaboration, his leadership resulted in increases across all focus groups in state accountability metrics, an 8.5% rise in scholar sense of belonging, and a 17.4% increase in school safety through a distributive leadership model that celebrated, elevated, and activated scholars and staff. He also served on the NASSP Board of Directors, advocating for school leaders nationwide.
2026 Wyoming Principal of the Year
Karen Delbridge
Cheyenne Central H.S.
Karen Delbridge, PhD, is the principal of Cheyenne Central High School in Cheyenne, WY. Previously she was an associate principal, English teacher, instructional coach, and disrtrict English language arts curriculum coordinator. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to intentional culture-building in Wyoming schools. Through her One Tribe initiative, she has worked to foster a family-oriented environment within a large high school, promoting connection and belonging among students and staff. Grounded in servant leadership, she emphasizes adding value to others, community engagement, and a collaborative, team-based approach. She credits the school’s success to the collective efforts of the administrative team, faculty and staff, and the broader Central triad community.