2025 State Assistant Principals of the Year – High School

Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Office of Overseas Schools, and the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity will select one high school assistant principal and/or on middle level assistant principal to represent their state. State winners are selected from applications submitted to the state associations.

Because each state’s selection process varies, please contact your state association for more information on their selection process.

2025 State Assistant Principals of the Year – High School

Alabama

Elizabeth (Beth) Antoine

Auburn High School
Alabama

Beth Antoine is the assistant principal of Auburn High School in Auburn, AL. Known for her creative vision and commitment to student success, she founded several school mainstays, including the Television Production Program, the World’s Fair, and the Homecoming Festival. She oversees curriculum and instruction, professional development, state testing, the counseling program, college and career readiness, student organizations, and the student advisory program. Dedicated to transformative improvement, she implemented an academic supports program that has significantly improved ACT scores and graduation credentials. She also developed a districtwide model for professional development that has enhanced instructional excellence.

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Alaska

Tabitha Blades

Soldotna High School
Alaska

Tabitha Blades has served as assistant principal of Soldotna High School in Soldotna, AK, since 2020. Previously, she was an assistant principal in southeast Louisiana and a language arts and drama teacher. Under her leadership at Soldotna, new and innovative practices for school discipline have been implemented throughout the school district. These practices include alternatives to out-of-school suspensions, incident-specific restorative practices, social-emotional skill building, and mentorship programs. As a result, major incidents have drastically decreased, and learning targets have been achieved at greater rates. She credits the school’s faculty, staff, students, and families with creating a school culture that communicates high expectations for everyone in the building. She considers it the honor of her career to serve in this role.

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Arkansas

Stephanie Hinsey

Central Junior High
Arkansas

Stephanie Hinsey is assistant principal of Central Junior High School in Springdale, AR, where she fosters a student-centered culture rooted in safety, leadership, and lifelong learning. Guided by her belief in empowering others to reach their full potential, she has implemented initiatives and programs to strengthen campus safety and student engagement. She also leads efforts in career exploration, ensuring students connect with opportunities that align with their aspirations. Committed to equity and continuous improvement, Hinsey partners with parents and faculty to cultivate an environment where students develop self-advocacy skills, leadership confidence, and the resilience needed for success in both education and life.

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California

Atikah Osman

Saddleback High School
California

Atikah Osman, EdD, is assistant principal of Saddleback High School in Santa Ana, CA. She champions Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, mentorship, and culturally relevant curricula, with a focus on student-centered scheduling and programs. She firmly believes in connection before content, fostering strong relationships with students, staff, and families to create an environment where learning thrives. Currently overseeing guidance and counseling, she works to ensure a safe, inclusive, and welcoming school community. Dedicated to at-promise students and English learners, she advocates for equitable educational opportunities that empower all students to succeed.

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Colorado

Elizabeth (Liz) Walhof

Air Academy High School in Academy School District 20
Colorado

Liz Walhof is an assistant principal of Air Academy High School in Air Force Academy, CO. Previously, she was a teacher, instructional coach, director, and superintendent’s cabinet member. Working as a school-based leader has been her most joyous role so far. She loves helping influence school strategy, coaching amazing educators, and walking alongside students and families through their high school experience. She is proud of the school’s creation of an intervention center that has reduced failure rates exponentially, the school’s annual increase in the number of students earning the Seal of Biliteracy, and the creation of the school’s first-in-district career academies.

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Connecticut

LaShante James

Brien McMahon High School
Connecticut

LaShante James has served as an assitant principal of Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk, CT, since 2020. Previously, she was an English teacher and an assistant principal of Roton Middle School for three years and Ponus Ridge Middle School for one year. She created the school’s FAFSA task force, which resulted in FASFA completion above 70%, a double digit increase from the previous year. Since 2022, she has served as district facilitator for My Sister’s Keeper, a mentoring program that she designed and leads.

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Delaware

Rahsheem Hollis

New Castle County Vocational Technical School District – Hodgson Vo-Tech High School
Delaware

Rahsheem Hollis is an assistant principal of Hodgson Vo-Tech High School in Newark, DE. In 2014, the school was a Delaware Recognition School Award winner for closing the achievement gap. He is dedicated to fostering a positive culture and climate within the school community. His leadership is defined by a commitment to making intentional and lasting impacts on the lives of students and staff.

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Florida

Neal Cain

McArthur High School
Florida

Neal Cain is assistant principal of McArthur High School in Hollywood, FL. He oversees the master schedule and leads the assessment, science, and career and technology departments. Previously, he was student assessment specialist and taught government, economics, U.S. history, AP, IB, and student government classes at Plantation High School. Recently, he has focused on expanding career and technical education, including an aviation maintenance program and a pre-apprenticeship initiative with support from local educational agencies.

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Georgia

Dusty Strickland

North Murray High School
Georgia

Dusty Strickland is an assistant principal of North Murray High School in Chatsworth, GA. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he began his education career teaching fifth-grade science and social studies before becoming an instructional coach and administrator working in elementary, middle, high, and alternative settings. As assistant principal, he leads professional development, supports struggling teachers, manages student discipline, models restorative practices and de-escalation, and builds authentic relationships with staff, students, parents, and community members. He also serves as an educational coordinator for Retouch, a nonprofit organization supporting education in coastal Kenya.

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Idaho

Katie Williams

Filer High School
Idaho

Katie Williams is the assistant principal of Filer High School in Filer, ID. She has helped shape school culture to promote college and career readiness and increase academic rigor. Previously, she taught science and social studies at Filer Middle School. Promoting academic success and fostering positive relationships are her top priorities.

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Iowa

Derek Schulte

Pella High School
Iowa

Derek Schulte is an assistant principal of Pella High School in Pella, IA. Previously, he was a school improvement leader and business education teacher. He is committed to supporting students and staff and to Pella High School’s mission of preparing everyone to learn, lead, and achieve. He has also served as the school’s head boys basketball coach for the past 19 seasons. Passionate about leadership and student development, he continues to find ways to make a positive impact on students, staff, and the school system.

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Kansas

Kelly Hoopes

Tonganoxie High School
Kansas

Kelly Hoopes is an assistant principal of Tonganoxie High in Tonganoxie, KS. Previously, she was a high school Spanish teacher. She is deeply committed to collaboration, continuous improvement, and maintaining high academic expectations. Her career has been defined by her belief that strong relationships empower students to achieve their full potential.

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Kentucky

Dana Pickering

Meade County High School
Kentucky

Dana Pickering is an assistant principal of Meade County High School in Brandenburg, KY. Her relentless determination toward academic excellence has opened up opportunities for students. She has led the creatiom of online learning environments, expanded college credit options, improved targeted interventions, and developed a schoolwide standards-based assessment system. Her team members describe her as a consummate professional who supports teachers in their work and encourages students to reach their full potential.

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Maryland

La Faye Howard

Winston Churchill High School
Maryland

La Faye Howard, EdD, is an assistant principal of Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, MD. Previously, she was an English teacher, department chair, and staff development teacher. Her core values are excellence in learning through successful instructional practices, equity in access and supports, and building positive relationships. She has spearheaded work around race and equity by promoting awareness, inclusivity, and support through implementing No Place for Hate campaigns, Learning for Justice resources, and schoolwide student and staff learning on the Winston Churchill High School culture playbook. As an instructional leader, she recognizes and facilitates discussions around good first instruction, coaching, and feedback to promote reflection and continuous improvement.

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Massachusetts

Maya Smith

Fenway High School
Massachusetts

Maya Smith is the associate head of school at Fenway High School in Boston, MA. Previously, she was the school’s special education director. She is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive school culture where educators feel supported, students are inspired to reach their full potential, and families are valued as partners in education. She works tirelessly to eliminate opportunity gaps, ensuring that every student receives the resources, support, and high-quality instruction they deserve. She is committed to improving educational outcomes for all students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

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Michigan

Susan (Susie) Aisner

West Bloomfield High School
Michigan

Susie Aisner is the assistant principal of West Bloomfield High School in West Bloomfield, MI. With more than 30 years of service to the West Bloomfield School District, she emphasizes collaboration and continuous improvement. Among her key accomplishments, she has successfully built and refined the school’s master schedule, and she has developed teacher leadership teams, empowering educators to drive positive change and take on meaningful leadership roles. She has also led efforts to improve the counseling department’s systems of support, enhancing access to resources that address students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. She is known for positively impacting staff culture, fostering an environment of collaboration, professional growth, student-centered practices, building strong relationships, and an unwavering commitment to student success, equity, and inclusion.

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Minnesota

Lamii Zarlee

Fridley High School
Minnesota

Lamii Zarlee is the assistant principal of Fridley High School in Fridley, MN. Previously, he spent three years as an assistant principal of Metro Heights Academy, an alternative school, where he developed a social justice curriculum for the district. He has served as a paraprofessional, a summer enrichment teacher and coordinator, student support specialist, and dean of students. He was also the head coach of the varsity boys basketball team, showcasing his commitment to student development both academically and athletically.

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Mississippi

Jessica Hodges

Northwest Rankin High School
Mississippi

Jessica Hodges is the secondary director of curriculum, instruction, and professional development in the Rankin County School District in Brandon, MS. Previously, she was the assistant principal of Northwest Rankin High School. She has received multiple awards, including MASSP Middle School Principal of the Year and MASSP High School Assistant Principal of the Year. She’s also a former NASSP board member.

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Missouri

David Arledge

Eureka High School, Rockwood School District
Missouri

David Arledge, EdD, has served as an assistant principal at Eureka High School in Eureka, MO, since 2019. Previously, he taught children from many ethnic backgrounds and education levels. These opportunities included teaching on the Winnebago Native American reservation in Nebraska, coaching and teaching underprivileged students in Arizona, and teaching at an inner-city, Title I high school in North Las Vegas. A lifelong supporter of the visual and performing arts, he established a scholarship that helps students attend camp during the summer. He has also been instrumental in getting Eureka High School recognized as a Missouri Purple Star School, creating the Military Wall of Honor, and beginning the tradition of Eureka students going to college to pursue the arts or join the military being recognized in a “Signing Day” with friends and family.l.

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Montana

Kari McKay

Browning High School
Montana

Kari McKay is an assistant principal of Browning High School on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Browning, MT. She has been instrumental in creating frameworks for teacher expectations, classroom management, creating a welcoming environment, emergency planning, advisory curriculum, and the development of MTSS for Browning Elementary and High School. She consistently maintains a positive attitude, fosters a collaborative environment, and demonstrates strong communication skills that make her an invaluable member of any team.

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Nebraska

Luis Nieto

Lexington High School
Nebraska

Luis Nieto has served as an assistant principal of Lexington High School in Lexington, NE, since 2020. Previously, he was the seventh- and eighth-grade social sciences teacher at Lincoln Middle School. He also served as the alternative education teacher there for two years. During his time as an assistant principal, Lincoln High’s graduation and attendance rates have surpassed the state average. He has helped implement policies such as restricted use of cell phones and headphones in school to ensure students are engaged in their learning.

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New Hampshire

Kristen Perron

Oyster River High School
New Hampshire

Kristen Perron is assistant principal of Oyster River High School in Durham, NH. Previously, she was a dean of students at Salem High School , and an English teacher at Pinkerton Academy . She is committed to building a positive school culture as demonstrated through her intentional efforts to connect with students and staff daily. She encourages collaboration and takes a team-based approach to her work. Her infectious energy and optimism inspire and motivate those around her.

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Nevada

Nicole Delgado

Northeast Career & Technical Academy
Nevada

Nicole Delgado has been the assistant principal of Northeast Career & Technical Academy in North Las Vegas, NV, since its opening in 2023. A former English teacher, she mentors new administrators and presents at state and national conferences. Under her leadership, Northeast became the first school in Clark County to pilot an in-person, mastery-based, flexible learning model in core subjects to address student achievement gaps. She believes students thrive when learning at their own pace and advocates for career programs that open doors to high-skill careers, affordable college, and military service. She credits the school’s success to the dedication of the staff, the ambition of the students, and the support of their families.

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New York

Scott Muller

Walt Whitman High School
New York

Scott Muller, EdD, has served as assistant principal of Walt Whitman High School in Huntington Station, NY, for 15 years. Previously, he was an administrative dean and biology teacher at Deer Park High School. He has united staff to change the culture from one of uncertainty to one of support and collaboration. He has also worked with teachers and guidance counselors to increase academic rigor, resulting in an increase in passing and mastery rates on state assessments and in the number of students taking AP courses. He thanks all the staff for their hard work and dedication to students.

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North Dakota

Shannon Mortrud

Fargo South High School
North Dakota

Shannon Mortrud, PhD, has been an assistant principal at Fargo South High School in Fargo, SD, since 2018. A former school psychologist, she is deeply passionate about systems planning and supporting the whole child. Her portfolio is broad, ranging from data-based MTSS placements for academics to restorative practices. Her leadership is rooted in gratitude for the innovative faculty and staff she works alongside, as they strive to overcome challenges and ensure every student thrives.

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Ohio

Jessica Archer

Nordonia High School
Ohio

Jessica Archer has sereved as the associate principal of Nordonia High School in Macedonia, OH, since 2017. Previously, she was the assistant principal of Key West High School, an English teacher, coach, and student activities director. Known for her infectious enthusiasm and exceptional relationship-building skills, she is unmatched when building school culture, climate, and communication. She is passionate about implementing innovative programs and events that engage and empower students and staff alike, fostering an environment where academic excellence, personal growth, and positivity thrive.

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Oklahoma

Jaime Griggs

Tecumseh High School
Oklahoma

Jaime Griggs has served as assistant principal of Tecumseh High School in Tecumseh, OK, since 2017. Previously, she was an educator at Choctaw High School for 19 years, teaching honors anatomy, botany, and biology. She is an advocate for teachers and students, bringing passion, leadership and an unwavering commitment to creating a positive and inclusive school environment. At Tecumseh, she has fostered a culture of respect, value, and support using behavior interventions and practices that teach regulation, empathy, and responsibility. She is also dedicated to unique, memorable educational experiences. Under her leadership, hundreds of students have been placed with mentors in the community as interns receiving hands-on training in future careers.

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Pennsylvania

Dan Beck

Upper St. Clair High School / Upper St. Clair School District
Pennsylvania

Dan Beck, EdD, has served as assistant principal at Upper St Clair High School in Pittsburgh, PA, since 2013. Previously, he taught secondary English and freshman seminar. He is deeply committed to leveraging student voice initiatives to cultivate a sense of belonging within the school community. In 2020, he was named the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils Principal of the Year.

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Rhode Island

Nicole Lanni

Lincoln High School
Rhode Island

Nicole Lanni is in her second year as the assistant principal of Lincoln High School in Lincoln, RI. She focuses on leadership strategies that foster positive relationships and deeply engages with the school’s culture and traditions. Previously, she served as an educational strategies specialist at the Highlander Institute, where she collaborated with administrators, teachers, students, and community partners to enhance personalized learning experiences. She began her career as an English teacher and served as an instructional technology coach.

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South Carolina

Rahsaan Perry

West Florence High School
South Carolina

Saani Perry is as an assistant principal of West Florence High School in Florence, SC, where he has achieved notable success in both academic growth and community engagement. He has spearheaded the expansion of the STEM magnet program, which has grown by over 60 students, introduced eight new courses, and added four new faculty members.
He initiated several key programs, including the “Shining Knights” program, which recognizes students for excellence in leadership, arts, athletics, academics, and community service. He introduced “Wellness Weekends,” offering students and staff an opportunity to focus on mental and physical health by taking a break from academic and professional responsibilities. He also founded the “Sharper Knights” male mentoring program to provide guidance and support for students.

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Tennessee

David Westberry

JCM Early College High
Tennessee

David Westberry is assistant principal of JCM Early College High School in Jackson, TN. Previously, he served as an Algebra I and II teacher for six years and won Teacher of the Year in 2021. He developed the Workforce Development Center, which serves four different schools with classes in welding, mechatronics, and health science. During his time as an administrator, Early College High has been recognized three times as a Tennessee Reward School. He can be found leading PLCs, serving as the testing coordinator, coaching teachers, leading student clubs. and even teaching one block of Algebra I daily. The students absolutely love him, and he has a gift for connecting with them.

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Texas

Sarah Castillo

Galena Park High School
Texas

Sarah Castillo is associate principal for curriculum and instruction of Galena Park High School in Galena Park, TX. For 18 years, she has served in Galena Park ISD. She is passionate about helping every student succeed and reach graduation. Previously, she was lead assistant principal at Cobb Sixth Grade Campus, a science instructional specialist, and a high school chemistry teacher. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership at Sam Houston State University. She is honored to have been named the 2025 Texas Assistant Principal of the Year. Driven by a deep commitment to student growth and educational excellence, she continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and staff alike.

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Utah

Jared Christensen

Delta High School
Utah

Jared Christensen has served as the assistant principal of Delta High School in Delta, UT, for the past five years. He is passionate about student learning and believes in helping every individual reach their full potential. One of his most impactful initiatives has been the creation of a youth court, providing struggling or at-risk students with an opportunity for restorative justice and personal accountability. His commitment to student support and innovative leadership has made a lasting difference in the school community. He is grateful for the opportunity to work in education and credits his success to his incredible colleagues, whose dedication and teamwork continually inspire him.

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Virginia

Karen Black

Rutland High School
Vermont

Karen Black has been an assistant principal of Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, VA, since 2017. She views education as a calling and believes finding joy is key to success in every endeavor. Previously, she taught business and served as Governor’s STEM Academy coordinator for Chesapeake Public Schools. She pioneered the district’s first technology academy, demonstrating her commitment to innovative learning. She is dedicated to ensuring students graduate and become engaged, proactive leaders, whether pursuing higher education, military service, or employment.

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Washington

Terry Jess

Juanita High School
Washington

Terry Jess has served as associate principal of Juanita High School in Kirkland, WA, for the past three years. Partnering with students, families, and amazing staff, he has focused on making equity actionable within the school. He worked to embed time and space for identity-based affinity groups to thrive in homeroom. He also led efforts to create a Family Connection Center to provide students with necessary resources, and his equity team secured funding to eliminate meal debt for all seniors in the school district. After seeing students struggle and some drop out, he co-constructed a non-traditional, site-based learning program, Juanita Flex Academy, that has significantly improved students’ sense of belonging, credit accrual, attendance, and GPA.

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Wisconsin

Matthew Amerson

Superior High School
Wisconsin

Matthew Amerson is an assistant principal of Superior High School in Superior, WI. He began his career as an elementary teacher and transitioned into school administration at both the elementary and secondary levels. At Superior High, he oversees the special education department and numerous social-emotional programs and initiatives. He is dedicated to creating equitable learning opportunities for students with disabilities and fostering safe and inclusive spaces where all students feel empowered to share their voices.

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Wyoming

Steven Lensegrav

Powell High School at Park County School District #1
Wyoming

Steven Lensegrav has served as the assistant principal at Powell High School in Powell, WY, since 2019. He also served concurrently as the principal of the district’s alternative school and principal of the district’s virtual school. Previously, he taught high school sciences at Powell High School and science, math, and automotive class in Sturgis, SD. He strives to do what is best for kids by building strong relationships with students and being fair in his decision- making. He credits his supportive principal, amazing staff, and hardworking students and community for making Powell a top school in the state.