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
Heather Bardwell
Mountain Gap Middle School
Heather Bardwell is the principal of Mountain Gap Middle School in Huntsville, AL. She is a proud fifth-generation educator with more than 25 years of experience. Previously, she was a math teacher, middle school assistant principal, and principal of an elementary and PreK–8 school. She is known for her enthusiasm for teaching and learning and for her love of students and staff. Her leadership record reflects academic gains, improved school climate, and strengthened community partnerships. Under her leadership, Mountain Gap Middle School has increased proficiency, strengthened subgroup performance, and achieved significant reductions in chronic absenteeism and discipline. The school has earned an “A” on the state report card two consecutive years.
2026 Alaska Principal of the Year
Heather Johnson
Tanana Middle School
Heather Johnson is the principal of Tanana Middle School in Fairbanks, AK. She is known for her contagious energy and leadership style defined by compassion, clarity, and purpose. She has an unwavering commitment to the physical and emotional well-being of her students and has prioritized staff development around trauma-informed practices, leading her school to achieve the Purple Star School Award. Such practices ensure a supportive environment for all, especially Fairbanks’ military-connected youth facing unique challenges and numerous transitions. She is also recognized for engineering efficient organizational processes that she readily shares with district colleagues, which in turn help elevate the entire learning community. Along with Tanana’s dedicated staff, involved parents, and military partnership, she has transformed the school into a dynamic environment of collective success where both educators and students are empowered to learn and succeed.
2026 Arkansas Principal of the Year
Chelsea Jennings
Sonora Middle School
Chelsea Jennings is the principal of Sonora Middle School in Springdale, AR. Under her leadership, the school improved from a state grade of “D” to B, achieved value-added growth in the 82nd percentile statewide, and earned recognition as both a Model PLC and an Arkansas Diamond School. She has expanded leadership opportunities for students and staff through multiple collaborative teams, ensuring shared ownership of the school’s mission and goals. She has also launched innovative community partnerships, including the first Marshallese Youth Initiative with the Springdale Chamber of Commerce and the Arts Integration Pilot Program with Crystal Bridges Museum. Her leadership blends continuous professional learning with student-centered practices to build capacity, foster collaboration, and sustain a culture of excellence.
2026 California Principal of the Year
Sherry Strausbaugh
Thornton Middle School
2026 Colorado Principal of the Year
Nicole Petersen
Brentwood Middle School
Nicole Petersen has served as the principal of Brentwood Middle School in Greeley, CO, for 13 years. Leading a richly diverse school community, she is deeply committed to empowering students to discover their purpose and passion while supporting both students and staff to grow into the best versions of themselves. Known for building a culture grounded in trust, belonging, and high expectations, she led a remarkable school turnaround from priority improvement status to consistently meeting or exceeding state growth expectations. She also guided the school through the rigorous process to become an IB World School. Under her leadership, the school has earned three School to Watch recognitions and two Colorado Department of Education Center of Excellence Awards, reflecting a sustained culture of excellence for all learners.
2026 Connecticut Principal of the Year
Chris Palmieri
Joseph A. DePaolo Middle School
Chris Palmieri is the principal of Joseph A. DePaolo Middle School in Southington, CT. Previously, he served as assistant principal. The Connecticut Association of Schools Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year in 2013, he connects hundreds of students annually with numerous leadership opportunities within the school and broader community. He designed the school’s intervention block to strengthen Tier 1 instruction in math and Engljish language arts, ensuring personalized support for all learners. His creative grant initiatives have afforded students experiences outside the classroom. He serves as the secondary safe school climate specialist for his district and is president of Southington Administrators Association.
2026 Delaware Principal of the Year
Sterling Seemans
Springer Middle School
Sterling Seemans. EdD, is the principal of Springer Middle School in Wilmington, DE. He has been a school administrator for over 12 years across multiple settings, schools, and states. He is recognized for his commitment to servant leadership and his belief in the potential of every child. He emphasizes the importance of strong relationships built on mutual respect, prioritizes the safety of students and staff, and supports students academically, socially, and behaviorally through a comprehensive, multi-tiered system of support. His leadership continues to foster a school culture where students and staff thrive. He credits the school’s success to an incredibly invested school staff, administrative team, district leadership team, and surrounding diverse community that he is proud to serve.
2026 Georgia Principal of the Year
Jeremy Reily
Bay Creek Middle
2026 Hawaii Principal of the Year
Mavis Tasaka
Sanford B. Dole Middle School
2026 Idaho Principal of the Year
Brian Jadwin
Wendell Middle School
Brian Jadwin has served as principal of Wendell Middle School in Wendell, ID, for nine years. He has focused on strengthening academic performance, supporting teacher well-being, and cultivating a positive school culture. His leadership centers on clear instructional practices, data-driven decision-making, and shared leadership, guided by the belief of “lift where you stand.” He promotes meaningful engagement through student- and staff-led initiatives that build ownership across the school. During his tenure, the school has seen improved test performance, increased student participation, and stronger staff retention. He attributes these gains to the dedication of teachers committed to continuous improvement and to a supportive, family-like school community.
2026 Illinois Principal of the Year
Sonia Ruiz
Jane Addams Middle School
Sonia E. Ruiz is the principal of Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook, IL, where she leads with a focus on belonging, equity, and shared leadership. She has dedicated her career to ensuring that every student learns at high levels in safe, supportive, and inclusive school communities. Under her leadership, Jane Addams has earned Exemplary Status for three consecutive years, placing the school in the top 10% of schools in Illinois. She believes a strong school culture is built through relationships, belonging, and collective responsibility. She has strengthened systems that support academic growth, social-emotional well-being, and equity for all learners. Beyond her school community, she serves the profession at the state and national levels. She is the current Illinois Principal Association Diversity and Equity chair and has received several state and national leadership awards.
2026 Indiana Principal of the Year
Thomas Hakim
Northview Middle School
Thomas Hakim is the principal of Northview Middle School in Indianapolis, IN, where he leads with a strong commitment to academic excellence, positive school culture, staff development, and community engagement. Under his leadership, Northview has navigated the opening of a new facility, managed more than 30% enrollment growth, and achieved increases in both NWEA and ILEARN performance every year for the past three years. His leadership has been recognized statewide with numerous honors, including the Indiana Department of Education’s Excellence in Leading and Learning Award and IASP’s Elementary Principal of the Year for Region 5 (2021). A dedicated educator and community volunteer, he continues to cultivate a thriving school culture rooted in achievement, collaboration, and pride.
2026 Kansas Principal of the Year
Rick Sola
Chisholm Trail MS
Rick Sola is the principal of Chisholm Trail Middle School in Olathe, KS, where he initiated a schoolwide PBIS program that built a culture grounded in respect, ownership, compassion, and safety. He credits Chisholm’s overall success to its dedicated staff, engaged students, and supportive families. Known for his approachable, genuine leadership, he sees every interaction as a chance to build trust. He leads with poise, empathy, and purpose guided by the “calm is strength” philosophy of the principal who hired him into administration. As communications director for the Kansas Principals Association and creator and host of its podcast, “Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals,” he advocates for and highlights the important work of school leaders statewide.
2026 Louisiana Principal of the Year
Justin Wax
Denham Springs Junior High
Justin Wax is the principal of Denham Springs Junior High School in Livingston, LA. Under his leadership, the school has experienced significant academic growth, consistently earning state and national recognition, including Top Gains Honoree designation and ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Middle Schools. Dedicated to STEM education, he leads development of a school aquaponics lab, giving students hands-on opportunities to conserve endangered plant species and teach sustainable food cultivation. He is deeply committed to building a positive, student-centered culture grounded in a “three-years-of-awesome” experience, strong relationships, and continuous improvement. By empowering teachers, elevating student voice, and strengthening family and community partnerships, he has cultivated an environment where students and staff thrive.
2026 Maryland Principal of the Year
Deborah “Debbie” Dennie
Leonardtown MS
Deborah Dennie, EdD, has served as principal of Leonardtown Middle School in Leonardtown, MD, for 10 years, providing steady, visionary leadership grounded in high expectations and genuine care. During her tenure, she has strengthened instructional practice through data-driven decision-making, elevated student accountability, and cultivated a culture of continuous professional growth among educators. Widely recognized as a mentor and advocate, she empowers staff to pursue leadership opportunities and expand their professional capacity, contributing to improved teaching and learning outcomes schoolwide while prioritizing the emotional and physical well-being of students and staff. She ensures instructional time is purposeful, distractions are minimized, and collaborative planning is both funded and prioritized. This shared focus has resulted in rising proficiency rates, greater equity in classrooms, and stronger student readiness for high school and beyond.
2026 Michigan Principal of the Year
Mark Rummel
O L Smith Middle School
Mark Rummel is the principal of O.L. Smith Middle School in Dearborn, MI. Previously, he served as assistant principal. He has led a successful turnaround of the school. With a heavy focus on building a positive climate and culture, success quickly followed. Increases in school quality index metrics, student achievement for all subgroups, and teacher leadership capacity are part of the school’s story over the last eight years. Embodying the “students first” mission of Dearborn Public Schools, he and his team have engrained high expectations, collaboration, leadership. and pride in the school community.
2026 Minnesota Principal of the Year
Mai Chang Vue
Susan B. Anthony Middle School
Mai Chang Vue is the principal of Susan B. Anthony Middle School in Minneapolis, MN. Her journey from the Ban Vinai refugee camp to the principalship exemplifies her resilience and commitment to student success. With over 20 years in education across middle, secondary, and postsecondary levels, she has driven academic excellence and fostered a supportive learning environment. She has led the school since 2014 and attributes her success to the support of colleagues, staff, students, the community, and her family, along with previous roles such as principal of the Community School of Excellence in St. Paul, senior academic advisor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and high school art teacher at La Crosse Central High School. Her dedication to education is further reflected in her involvement with the Minnesota Hmong Educators Coalition, where she has played a pivotal role in supporting and empowering current and future educators.
2026 Mississippi Principal of the Year
Thomas Adams Jr.
Shirley Simmons Middle School
Thomas Adams Jr. is the principal of Shirley Simmons Middle School in Canton, MS. Under his leadership, the school moved from a “C” rating to an “A” rating in just two years—driven by high expectations, strong systems, and student-centered instruction. Significant gains in English language arts and math proficiency and growth resulted in recognition from the Mississippi Department of Education as an “A” rated school for the first time in its history. He also implemented the “Read.Write.Reflect.” initiative, strengthening writing stamina and increasing academic performance. He leads with clarity and consistency, grounded in the belief that being present, prepared, and positive fuels achievement for every student.
2026 Missouri Principal of the Year
Reagan Allegri
Heritage Middle School
Reagan Allegri, EdD, is the principal of Heritage Middle School in Liberty, MO. Under her leadership, Heritage has redefined student connection through HOUSE, a system that has significantly increased students’ sense of belonging and connection to adults. She was named the 2025 Greater Kansas City Middle School Principal of the Year for her transformative work in cultivating a culture where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Dr. Allegri also led the implementation of L.I.N.K., an instructional framework that brings learning to life through real-world application and digital portfolios aligned to the district graduate profile. She credits the success of Heritage to the dedication of its staff, students, community, and leadership team.
2026 Nebraska Principal of the Year
Troy Mach
Alliance Middle School
Troy Mach has served as the principal of Alliance Middle School in Alliance, NE, for 11 years. Under his leadership, the school has moved from “Needs Support” to “Improve,” to “Great,” and has maintained this highest rating for two years in a row. The chronic absenteeism rate drop has also decreased from 45% to 17%. He credits the school’s success to hard-working students, a committed staff, supportive parents, and a unified district focus on improvement.
2026 North Dakota Principal of the Year
Kirstin Hanson
Ben Franklin Middle School
Kirstin Hanson is the principal of Ben Franklin Middle School in Fargo, ND. She has focused on strengthening school culture, aligning systems to better support students and staff, and resetting clear, consistent expectations that promote belonging, accountability, and growth. She has worked alongside staff and students to define a shared vision for the school—one grounded in relationships, high expectations, and a collective commitment to student success. She credits the progress at Ben Franklin Middle School to the dedication of its staff, the partnership of families, and students who continue to show resilience, pride, and a willingness to grow.
2026 Ohio Principal of the Year
Misty Goetz
Milford Junior High School
Misty Goetz is the director of teaching and learning at Milford School District in Milford, OH, and the former principal of Milford Junior High School. She has over 25 years of experience in education, having started her career as a high school social studies teacher. During her tenure as principal, she led with a relationship-centered approach, partnering closely with staff and students to create learning environments that were rigorous, relevant, and equitable. She supported and guided innovative instructional practices, consistently emphasizing that engagement drives achievement and that student ownership of learning is key to success. She received a grant for over $10,000 to implement a middle school program focused on successful transitions to middle school. She has also contributed to education through active service on multiple state-level leadership committees.
2026 Oklahoma Principal of the Year
Bobbi Gillham
Pansy Kidd Middle School
Bobbi Gillham, EdD, has served as principal of Pansy Kidd Middle School in Poteau, OK, for the past six years, where she has led the development of a comprehensive multi-tiered system of support grounded in trauma-responsive practices. Her leadership has strengthened student social-emotional and behavioral supports, enhanced the physical learning environment, and fostered a strong sense of safety and belonging for students, staff, and families. Through intentional storytelling, meaningful family engagement, and strong community partnerships, the school is recognized as a welcoming, student-centered school. She champions shared leadership built on inclusion, purpose, and collective accountability. As part of the OK A+ Schools Network, the school integrates the arts to deepen engagement and learning.
2026 Oregon Principal of the Year
Robin Buckingham
Claggett Creek Middle School
2026 Pennsylvania Principal of the Year
David Wiedlich
Radnor Middle School
David M. Wiedlich, EdD, is the principal of Radnor Middle School in Wayne, PA. He has distinguished himself as an innovative, student-centered leader committed to fostering belonging, wellness, and academic growth. Under his leadership, the school advanced data- informed MTSS practices, increased student engagement across all academic settings, and expanded curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular offerings. He spearheaded the creation of programs that celebrate soft skills, highlighting hundreds of students since the program’s inception. He has strengthened school culture by continually elevating student and staff voice and ensuring that perspectives of all stakeholders shape schoolwide decisions. His initiatives have enhanced student well-being, broadened learning pathways, deepened community engagement, and helped Radnor Middle School rank as of one of the top middle schools in the country. He is an executive board member of the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils and an editorial board member for The Pennsylvania Administrator.
2026 Rhode Island Principal of the Year
Adam Heywood
Winman Middle School
Adam Heywood is the principal of Winman Middle School in Warwick, RI, leading the school through a period of focused improvement, innovation, and external validation. Under his leadership, Winman Middle School became the first New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)-accredited public middle school in the state, a milestone reflecting strong instructional alignment, effective leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement. He is the recipient of the 2023 New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) Annual A+ Administrator Award, recognized for leveraging data to strengthen teaching and learning, expanding authentic student and family engagement through SurveyWorks, and cultivating a collaborative culture grounded in high expectations. He serves on the Board of Directors for NELMS and is a member of the NEASC Commission on Public Schools, contributing to regional leadership and accreditation work.
2026 South Carolina Principal of the Year
Bentli Lewis
Oakbrook Middle School
Bentli Lewis is the principal of Oakbrook Middle School in Ladson, SC, where she has led significant gains in academics, culture, and student engagement. Under her leadership, student disciplinary referrals have decreased by 45% over three years, and a strong focus on instructional strategies has driven a 12-point increase in the state report card rating, elevating Oakbrook Middle School from “Good” to “Excellent,” earning recognition as the highest-rated middle school in the district, and receiving the 2026 National AMLE Schools to Watch designation. She is deeply committed to building a school where every student and staff member feels valued, seen, and supported.
2026 South Dakota Principal of the Year
David Olson
Stagebarn Middle School
David Olson is the principal of Stagebarn Middle School in Summerset, SD. Selected to lead the design and launch of this new school, he guided the its development from vision to reality. He has built a culture centered on student success, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. Under his leadership, the school implemented vertically aligned PLCs, strengthened fifth-grade transition through the Boomerang Project’s WEB model, and supported district alignment efforts with Studer Education. He credits dedicated staff and students with laying the foundation of the school’s success.
2026 Tennessee Principal of the Year
Bethany Wilson
Gladeville Middle School
2026 Texas Principal of the Year
Janelle Muhammad
Rancier Middle School
2026 Utah Principal of the Year
Jeff Ericksen
North Sanpete Middle School
Jeff Ericksen is the principal at North Sanpete Middle School in Moroni, UT. Previously, he was a high school assistant principal. He has developed and influenced young people as a teacher, tennis coach, basketball coach, student body officer adviser, and Upward Bound adviser. His quest has always been to make a positive difference. His core value can be summed up in the words of Don Quixote, “I come in a world of iron to make a world of gold.” He has worked diligently to balance his responsibilities as principal with a strong sense of accountability and firmness, while fostering an atmosphere of warmth, friendliness, and fun. He also exemplifies the idea of being present in all interpersonal relationships. This creates a sense of unity and empowerment for student success and a loving, and safe climate for all.
2026 Virginia Principal of the Year
Lisa Warner
Marsteller Middle School
Lisa Warner has served as the principal of Marsteller Middle School in Bristow, VA, for eight years. She believes in partnering with teachers, school professionals, and parents to provide the best possible experience for all students. Her shared leadership structure and supportive family atmosphere keep highly qualified teachers coming back year after year. Her dedication to developmentally and culturally responsive approaches to all middle school students fosters academic growth and a proud school community. Through school focus areas of student dialogue and higher order questioning, 93.87% of English language learners achieved the state growth benchmark, the highest in the region. Her school also earned “Distinguished” status in the state, the highest possible distinction.
2026 Wisconsin Principal of the Year
Luke Spielman
Park View Middle School
Luke Spielman is the principal of Park View Middle School in Mukwonago, WI. He emphasizes academic excellence and student growth, while focusing on establishing systems that ensure each student receives high-quality instruction. Under his leadership, the school strengthened its collaborative team structures, embedded protected common planning time, and aligned instruction to a guaranteed and viable curriculum to ensure consistent, high-quality learning experiences. Through an emphasis on formative assessment and data-driven decision-making, overall student achievement increased from the 73rd to the 93rd percentile on the state report card. Additionally, the academic outcomes for the most struggling students climbed from the 33rd to the 91st percentile. He attributes the school’s success to outstanding students, a dedicated staff, and engaged, supportive parents.