Since 2019, the Advocacy Champion of the Year Award has honored a leader whose influence in policy and public discourse has helped shape the future of education. This prestigious award is NASSP’s highest recognition for education advocacy—highlighting individuals who elevate the voices of school leaders at every level of government.
Why this award matters:
- Recognizes one exceptional school leader annually for outstanding advocacy impact.
- Highlights efforts to influence lawmakers and empower students and school community members as policy changemakers.
- Celebrates finalists at the National Education Leadership Awards (NELA) with the winner announced on stage.
What sets candidates apart:
- Mobilized advocates across multiple districts through campaigns, events, and grassroots action.
- Expanded influence on policy through direct engagement with lawmakers and meaningful impact on legislation.
- Engaged student leaders in real-world advocacy, helping shape the next generation of civically active changemakers.
Selection Process
Nominations must be submitted by NASSP state affiliate organizations and reflect accomplishments from the previous school year. If you would like to submit a nominee, please contact your state association to do so.
Additional eligibility requirements:
- Candidates must be current or former principals or assistant principals who advocate as volunteers and not in a professional capacity.
- Candidates may not be currently serving on the NASSP Board of Directors, Steering Committee, or staff.
- All specific accomplishments, actions, and work described should have taken place in the school year prior to their nomination.
2026 Timeline
- The 2026 nomination period: August 7–September 18, 2025
- Nominees reviewed: September–November 2025
- Finalists publicly announced: March 2026
- Winner publicly announced at NELA: April 2026
Past Champions
- 2025: Terri Daniels, EdD, principal of Folsom Middle School in Folsom, CA
- 2024: Chris Young, principal of North Country Union High School in Newport, VT
- 2023: Melissa Shindel, principal of Glenwood Middle School in Howard County, MD
- 2022: Chris LeGrande, principal of Guthrie High School in Guthrie, OK
- 2021: Derrick Lawson, principal of Indio High School in Indio, CA
- 2020: Dr. Erika Burden, principal of Westwood Middle School in Spokane, WA.
- 2019: Dan Richards, principal of Georgetown Middle High School in Georgetown, MA.