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.
2024 State Principals of the Year
2024 Alabama Principal of the Year
Keith York
Opelika, AL
Opelika Middle School
Keith York has served as the principal of Opelika Middle School in Opelika, AL, since 2011. Previously, he was the assistant principal for four years. His educational philosophy is centered on being a positive role model and supporting his staff and students. His approach to education has been shaped by his own experiences and the influence of mentors. Through his leadership, Opelika Middle School has become a place where all stakeholders feel valued and inspired to achieve their best, fostering an environment often referred to as the “OMS Family.”
2024 Alaska Principal of the Year
Dave Dershin
Fairbanks, AK
Randy Smith Middle School
Dave Dershin has served as the principal of Randy Smith Middle School in Fairbanks, AK, for the past ten years. Previously, he was principal of Lathrop High School. This school year he is principal of Hutchison High School. He began his career 32 years ago teaching science and technology classes in Riverside, IL, before moving to Alaska. He prides himself on maintaining high standards while building lasting and supportive relationships with students, staff, and community members.
2024 Arkansas Principal of the Year
Travis Barrentine
Greenbrier, AR
Greenbrier High School
Travis Barrentine has served as the principal of Greenbrier High School in Greenbrier, AR, for the past six years. He began his career as a seventh-grade teacher and coach and has served as a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. His philosophy centers on promoting academic excellence through building a positive and supportive school culture. He is a strong advocate for improving student mental health and suicide prevention, and he is committed to fostering a safe and secure environment for all members of the school community.
2024 California Principal of the Year
Erika Tejeda
Winchester, CA
Liberty High School
Dr. Erika Tejeda’s journey from a first-generation college student to the founding principal of Liberty High School in Winchester, CA, is inspirational. Her impact extends beyond the classroom, reflecting her dedication to her community and students who share her background. She has more than two decades of experience in secondary education, including roles as a Spanish teacher and assistant principal. Her mantra, “all means all,” embodies her belief in every student’s potential.
2024 Colorado Principal of the Year
Jonathan Hoerl
Durango, CO
Durango High School
Dr. Jon Hoerl is the principal of Durango High School in Durango, CO. He has led efforts to boost graduation rates, increase access to career-connected learning opportunities (including industry certifications and internships), establish partnerships with higher education institutions, and open AP classes to all students. Previously, he served as a coach, dean, athletic director, and assistant principal. He is devoted to his vision of helping to make Durango High School the top public high school in the state.
2024 Connecticut Principal of the Year
Kristy Zaleta
Danbury, CT
Rogers Park Middle School
Dr. Kristy Zaleta, is in sixth year as the principal of Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury, CT. Previously, she served for five years as the associate principal of instruction for Danbury’s three middle schools. A second career educator, she began at Rogers Park Middle School as an eighth-grade science teacher. Her passion for urban education focuses on equity, school climate, and student achievement. She uses data to inform decisions, builds capacity through professional development, and collaborates with teachers and students on policies and protocols.
2024 Delaware Principal of the Year
Fred Best
Milton, DE
Mariner Middle School
Alfred “Fred” G. Best III has served as the principal of Mariner Middle School in Milton, DE, for 12 years. Previously, he was the school’s assistant principal for six years. During his tenure, his team has changed the climate and culture of the school to foster a family atmosphere. By using restorative practices, he has helped reduce the number of referrals. He and his team are continually working to reduce the achievement gap and offer students and staff the best middle school experience possible.
2024 Florida Principal of the Year
Brent Frazier
Umatilla, FL
Umatilla High School
Brent Frazier is the principal of Umatilla High School in Umatilla, FL. Previously, he served as an assistant principal and science department chair. Named the 2023 Florida Principal of the Year by the Florida Department of Education, he is recognized for his exemplary leadership and commitment to student success. As a Kiwanis member, he actively engages with his community and volunteers his time coaching baseball and basketball.
2024 Georgia Principal of the Year
Shannon Buff
Covington, GA
Newton High School
Dr. Shannon Buff is the principal of Newton High School in Covington, GA. Previously, she served as a district-level director, assistant principal, social studies department chair, and teacher. Since becoming principal of Newton High School in 2017, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success and institutional improvement. Under her leadership, the school has achieved significant increases in its graduation rate, elevated SAT/ACT scores, substantial growth in scholarship totals, and consistent increases in teacher retention.
2024 Hawaii Principal of the Year
Joseph Passantino
Honolulu, HI
Ke’elikolani Middle School
Joseph Passantino has served as the principal of Ke’elikolani Middle School in Honolulu, HI, for the past three years. Under his leadership, staff morale has increased and school culture and climate and academics have all improved. He is committed to engaging students and families and fostering a collaborative environment among staff, students, and the community.
2024 Idaho Principal of the Year
Dr. Christopher Powell
Idaho Falls, ID
Idaho Falls High School
Dr. Christopher Powell is the principal of Idaho Falls High School in Idaho Falls, ID. Previously, he served as the principal of Eagle Rock Middle School in Idaho Falls and Mammoth High School in Los Angeles. He began his education career as a teacher in 1999. In 2024, he was named the District Administrator of the Year for his support of speech and debate; the Lou Gourley Outstanding Administrator by the Idaho Falls Education Association; and the Idaho Secondary Principal of the Year by the Idaho Association of Secondary School Principals.
2024 Illinois Principal of the Year
Natalie Page
Sesser, IL
Sesser-Valier High School
Natalie M. Page is the principal of Sesser-Valier High School in Sesser, IL. Previously, she taught kindergarten and first grade. A dedicated educator focused on creating academic opportunities and pathways that meet both high school and postsecondary goals for all students, she is also a National Board Certified Teacher, an instructional coach, and an Illinois Principals Association Region Director.
2024 Indiana Principal of the Year
Angela Blessing
Kokomo, IN
Kokomo High School
Angela Blessing is the principal of Kokomo High School in Kokomo, IN. With a career dedicated to empowering students and fostering academic excellence, she has made significant strides in enriching the educational experience for all students. Under her leadership, Kokomo has achieved remarkable outcomes, including a 99% graduation rate.
2024 Iowa Principal of the Year
Matt Kingsbury
Vinton, IA
Vinton-Shellsburg High School
Matt Kingsbury has served as the principal of Vinton-Shellsburg High School in Vinton, IA, since 2011. He began his career as an at-risk coordinator/P.E. instructor. At Vinton-Shellsburg High School, he has implemented project-based learning courses, refined the grading system, revised the master schedule, and added blended learning course options to meet the needs of all students.
2024 Kansas Principal of the Year
Shawn Henderson
Hays, KS
Hays High School
Shawn Henderson serves as the principal of Hays High School in Hays, KS. He began his educational career as a music teacher before transitioning to administration. In addition to his K–12 experience, he also served as the director of field experiences at Fort Hays State University. As principal, he places a building-wide focus on valuing privacy, dignity, and respect for all stakeholders. A strong communicator, he creates an environment where students and staff alike find the space and grace essential to be their best selves.
2024 Kentucky Principal of the Year
Eric Hale
Lexington, KY
The Academies of Bryan Station High School
Eric Hale has served as the executive principal of The Academies of Bryan Station in Lexington, KY, since 2020. Originally from Ashland, KY, he began his career as an elementary teacher before becoming a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. His passion for public education comes from overcoming generational poverty and experiencing the hardships of being the son of a single mom. His focus on cultivating a positive school culture through collective efficacy has increased the academic achievement of students at Bryan Station.
2024 Louisiana Principal of the Year
Tia Trahan
Lafayette, LA
Lafayette Middle School
Tia Mechelle Trahan is the principal of Lafayette Middle School in Lafayette, LA, a National Board Certified Teacher, and a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. Under her leadership, Lafayette was recognized by the Louisiana Department of Education as a Comeback School for improving its School Performance Score 11.1 points during the pandemic. She attributes this growth to her dedicated stafft’s commitment to excellence and amazing students. She continues to strengthen her knowledge as an instructional leader and strives for excellence in aiding educators and students to reach their potential.
2024 Maine Principal of the Year
Linda Pease
Waldoboro, ME
Medomak Valley High School
Linda Pease is the principal of Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro, ME. She holds the same office as her father once did; he served as principal of the school for 24 years when it opened in 1968. Previously, she taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She values shared leadership and seeks to involve school staff in decision-making to emphasize empowerment and purpose. Under her leadership, school climate has improved and staff are known for their big hearts and can-do attitude.
2024 Maryland Principal of the Year
Yetunde Reeves
Baltimore, MD
Dunbar High School
Dr. Yetunde Zola Reeves is the principal of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Baltimore, MD. Previously, she was a high school principal in Washington, D.C., and Oakland and Menlo Park, CA. A National Board Certified Teacher in social studies, she has served urban schools in various capacities, including ss a social studies teacher, assistant principal, and director of secondary education. Her passion is working with students of color and supporting first-generation college students and their families.
2024 Massachusetts Principal of the Year
Andrew Rebello
Fall River, MA
Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School
Andrew Rebello is the principal of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River, MA. Under his leadership, the graduation rate has increased to 98%, and Diman was rated the highest-performing high school in the area. Previously, he served as a vice principal and central office administrator for Boston Public Schools. He was appointed to the Economic Development Planning Council by Governor Maura Healy and received the National Milken Educator of the Year award. He serves on the Massachusetts School Admnistrators’ Association Board of Directors.
2024 Michigan Principal of the Year
Jon Wilcox
Petoskey, MI
Petoskey Middle School
Jon Wilcox has served as the principal of Petoskey Middle School in Petoskey, MI, since 2015. Previously, he was a science teacher in Napaskiak, AK, and Hart, MI. At Petoskey Middle School, he has worked to create an environment where stakeholder voices are heard and valued. Through building leadership capacity in teacher and student leaders and increasing tiered supports, he has helped cultivate a positive school culture.
2024 Minnesota Principal of the Year
Mindy Chevalier
Belle Plaine, MN
Belle Plaine Junior-Senior HIgh
Mindy Chevalier has served as the principal of Belle Plaine Junior-Senior High School in Belle Plaine, MN, since 2019. Previously, she was Belle Plaine’s activities director/dean of students, assistant principal/community education director, and head girls basketball coach. A collaborative leader whose top priorities revolve around building a strong positive culture and academic programing that meets the needs of all students, she believes in providing opportunities beyond the classroom through participation in athletics, the arts, academic programs, and clubs.
2024 Mississippi Principal of the Year
Matt Buchanan
New Albany, MS
New Albany High School
Dr. Matt Buchanan has served as the principal of New Albany High School in New Albany, MS, since 2021. Previously, he was a teacher, coach, director, and assistant principal. He was named the 2020 Mississippi Assistant Principal of the Year. Under his leadership at New Albany High School, school culture has grown stronger, and collaboration and leadership opportunities for students and staff, and academic accountability have all increased. He has worked to cultivate an inclusive school environment that prepares everyone for future success.
2024 Missouri Principal of the Year
Kirsten Clemons
Kansas City, MO
Lakeview Middle School
Kirsten Clemons serves as the principal of Lakeview Middle School in Kansas City, MO. A lifelong learner, she is passionate about fostering safe and engaging learning environments. She also prioritizes staff well-being while executing strategic plans to achieve tangible results. Under her leadership, Lakeview Middle School has become an AVID National Demonstration School, a PBIS School of Distinction, and a model Continuous Improvement School.
2024 Montana Principal of the Year
Michele Strouf
Billings, MT
Billings Senior High
Shelli Strouf is the principal of Billings Senior High School in Billings, MT. She began her career as an elementary school teacher. In 2013, she was named Montana Assistant Principal of the Year. She values student input and creating valuable professional development. Her career has been driven by a passion for improving student achievement and fostering teacher growth.
2024 Nebraska Principal of the Year
Chad Soupir
Omaha, NE
Elkholm Valley View Middle School
Chad Soupir is the principal of Elkhorn Valley View Middle School in Omaha, NE. Driven by a commitment to literacy, he has led and implemented innovative programs designed to enhance students’ reading skills. These initiatives not only improve reading proficiency but also build confidence, creating new opportunities for students. Beyond school leadership, he contributes to nonprofit education work and engages with professional organizations at local, state, and national levels. As the regional director for PlaySmart, he volunteers to support at-risk youth, helping to build their confidence and leadership skills. He also serves as vice president of the board for Coalition RX, which focuses on substance abuse prevention for middle school students.
2024 Nevada Principal of the Year
Gregory Cole
North Las Vegas, NV
Mojave High School
Gregory Cole has served as the principal of Mojave High School in Las Vegas, NV, since 2017. Previously, he was an assistant principal of Mojave and principal of Bailey Middle School. Originally from rural Iowa, he was a first-generation college graduate who saw firsthand the importance of a quality education and how it can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. With a strong belief in meeting the needs of the entire student, he strives to build a strong social and emotional learning program focused on trust and respect for students and staff.
2024 New Jersey Principal of the Year
Neil Burti
Cherry Hill, NJ
John A. Carusi Middle School
Dr. Neil Burti Jr. is the principal of John A. Carusi Middle School, in Cherry Hill, NJ. Previously, he served as a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and taught college courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. For the past decade, he has supervised clinical internships for pre-service administrators, mentored novice administrators seeking licensure, and chaired dissertation committees. During that time, his schools have received both state and national recognition, and he has presented his work around the country.
2024 New Mexico Principal of the Year
Tamara Lopez
Albuquerque, NM
Public Academy for Performing Arts
Tamara Lopez is the executive director of Public Academy for Performing Arts in Albuquerque, NM. She began her career as an ESL teacher and coordinator. She then served as an assistant principal in Albuquerque Public Schools before transitioning to the charter sector in pursuit of new challenges and opportunities to make a difference as director of special education. She is deeply committed to building bridges through communication, whether between students and teachers, parents and administrators, or within the broader community.
2024 New York Principal of the Year
Matthew Sloane
Middleburgh, NY
Middleburgh Jr. Sr. High School
Matthew Sloane is the principal of Middleburgh Junior Senior High School in Middleburgh, NY. Previously, he served as principal of Howard L. Goff Middle School in East Greenbush. He was then appointed to the role of deputy superintendent of Questar III BOCES, where he worked closely with school districts to achieve their individual goals. At Middleburgh, he has implemented strong academic and social and emotional initiatives. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Suffolk University and the College of St. Rose.
2024 North Dakota Principal of the Year
Jared Blikre
Rugby, ND
Rugby High School
Jared Blikre is the principal of Rugby High School in Rugby, ND. Previously, he was principal and athletic director at Rolette High School. He is constantly amazed by the creative and resilient students he interacts with daily as well as the compassionate, dedicated, and passionate educators he has had the privilege to work with. He is proud of the opportunities that Rugby provides for its students and credits a great staff, students, and community.
2024 Ohio Principal of the Year
Michael Martin
New Washington, OH
Buckeye Central High School
Dr. Michael Martin is the principal of Buckeye Central High School in New Washington, OH, and a proud alumnus. Under his leadership, Buckeye Central High School boasts the county’s highest test scores, a reduced college remediation rate, an improved attendance rate, and expanded course offerings. An adjunct professor and author, he is a sought-after speaker on educational technology. He has helped to establish a state-of-the-art STEAM lab at his school and and has integrated project-based learning into the curriculum.
2024 Oklahoma Principal of the Year
Joe Ballard
Poteau, OK
Poteau High School
Joe Ballard is the principal of Poteau High School in Poteau, OK. He is known for his unwavering dedication to educational excellence and inclusivity. A proud member of the Cherokee Nation, he has been a trailblazer in promoting cultural heritage. He implemented a groundbreaking policy that allows Native American students to wear Native regalia during graduation ceremonies. This policy, endorsed by the Choctaw Nation, reflects his commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds of his students.
2024 Oregon Principal of the Year
Molly Ouche
Portland, OR
Parkrose High School
Molly Ouche is the principal of Parkrose High School in Portland, OR. She was first recognized as Oregon Principal of the Year in 2015, when she was the middle school principal. Under her leadership, she and her team at Parkrose High have worked to close academic and graduation gaps for underserved student groups. Thanks to their efforts, the school was recognized as an AVID National Demonstration Site in 2024.
2024 Pennsylvania Principal of the Year
Michael Fedisson
Bellefonte, PA
Bellefonte Area High School
Michael Fedisson is the principal of Bellefonte Area High School in Bellefonte, PA, and a proud alumnus. He began his career teaching seventh-grade English language arts and then transitioned into administration as a dean of students and vice principal. He strives to maintain the positive culture he eperienced as a student at Bellefonte Area High School and the pursuit of excellence for all students and staff. He was integral in starting the school’s positive behavior intervention and support program and continuing the school’s student safety committee.
2024 Rhode Island Principal of the Year
Bethany Coughlin
Cumberland, RI
North Cumberland Middle School
Bethany Coughlin is the principal of North Cumberland Middle School in Cumberland, RI. Previously, she was a middle school math teacher before transitioning to administration. With a targeted focus on data-driven instruction, student support, and progress monitoring, she has increased student achievement significantly over the past ten years, moving North Cumberland Middle School to rank among the top three middle schools in the state. The culture that has evolved among the students, staff, and families under her leadership allows for a shared vision of excellence in a safe and supportive learning environment.
2024 South Carolina Principal of the Year
Tracie Anderson Swilley
Winnsboro, SC
Fairfield Central High School
Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley is the principal of Fairfield Central High School in Winnsboro, SC. A transformational leader, she has supported the promotion of many of her assistant principals to the principalship, and she has promoted teachers within her building to the role of assistant principal. She has also mentored principals throughout the state. She believes that everyone can achieve with the proper assistance and support and uses data to guide her faculty and staff in best practices to improve student outcomes.
2024 South Dakota Principal of the Year
Todd Foster
Brookings, SD
Mickelson Middle School-Brookings School District
Todd Foster is the principal of Mickelson Middle School in Brookings, SD, where he previously served as assistant principal. A former business teacher, coach, and school counselor, he is passionate about students and community. In 2017, he was named South Dakota Assistant Principal of the Year. He excels in fostering a school culture prioritizing student well-being and is an active board member of the South Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals.
2024 Tennessee Principal of the Year
Kyle Nix
Christiana, TN
Christiana Middle School
Dr. Kyle Nix is the principal of Christiana Middle School in Christiana, TN. She was recognized as Rutherford County Principal of the Year for 2023–2024. Previously, she served at the middle and high school levels as a teacher, coach, club sponsor, dean of students, and assistant principal. Under her leadership, she has earned state recognition for academic growth and STEAM education. She is passionate about STEAM and providing students with inquiry-based educational experiences that prepare them for success in high school and beyond.
2024 Texas Principal of the Year
Angelee Morales
Royse City, TX
Ouida Baley Middle School
Angelee Morales serves as the principal of Ouida Baley Middle School in Royse City, TX. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to creating a supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. She is known for her innovative approach to student-centered learning and her ability to cultivate strong relationships with students, staff, and the Royse City community that she has humbly served for 20 years. Under her leadership, the school earned recognition as a 2024 School of Transformation through N2 Learning.
2024 Utah Principal of the Year
Roger Arbabi
Park City, UT
Park City High School
Roger Arbabi has been a school administrator for almost fifteen years, currently leading Park City High School in Park City, UT as principal. Dedicated to student voice, he uses tools like the SafeUT program and a bullying reporting system. Under his leadership, PCHS has excelled in supporting first-generation students, predominantly Latino, significantly improving their academic achievements. The school’s Dream Big and Latinos in Action programs foster belonging and leadership. Additionally, PCHS’s Career and Technology Education program, aligned with community needs, offers exceptional culinary arts, aviation, and business courses to prepare students for success beyond high school.
2024 Vermont Principal of the Year
Jean Berthiaume
Winooski, VT
Winooski Middle & High School
Jean Berthiaume has served as the co-principal of Winooski Middle and High School in Winooski, VT, for the past five years. Previously, he served as an elementary principal, a high school associate principal, and a high school department head and social studies teacher. In 2009, he received a Rowland Foundation Fellowship to focus on democratizing school and nurturing authentic student voice. For the last ten years, he has facilitated cohorts of educators in their teacher leadership work in their own schools.
2024 Virginia Principal of the Year
Matthew Strittmatter
Chester, VA
Elizabeth Davis Middle School
Dr. Matthew Strittmatter is the principal of Elizabeth Davis Middle School in Chester, VA. He began his career in Fountain, CO, where he taught high school English and coached baseball at Fountain-Fort Carson High School. After two years he moved back to Virgnia where he served as a teacher, department chair, dean of students, assistant principal, and associate principal of Falling Creek Middle School in Chesterfield County. He believes in “family first” and “relationships over everything” as the foundation to an individualized, rigorous, and relevant middle school experience for all students.
2024 Washington Principal of the Year
William Jackson
Seattle, WA
Nathan Hale High School
Dr. William Jackson is the principal of Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, WA. He centers his “why” on the principles of justice, equity, access, and radical love, ensuring that both educators and students discover joy and purpose in their education. He is also a principal mentor and serves as an instructor at the University of Washington, teaching aspiring principals and superintendents.
2024 Wisconsin Principal of the Year
Santiago Navarro
Milwaukee, WI
Bruce-Guadalupe Community School
Santiago Navarro is the principal of Bruce-Guadalupe Community School in Milwaukee, WI. Previously, he taught fifth grade then middle school before becoming an assistant principal and eventually principal. He also played a founding role as principal of United Community Center Acosta Middle School during its initial three years. Empowering others and fostering leadership are at the heart of his approach. His dedication has enabled students to gain admission to some of Milwaukee’s top high schools.
2024 Wyoming Principal of the Year
Katie Law
Riverton, WY
Arapaho Charter High School
Katie Law is the principal of Arapaho Charter High School in Riverton, WY. Previously, she taught social studies to seventh–twelfth graders, and she continues coaching cross country and track. Under her leadership, Arapaho has undergone a transformation, evolving from a single-classroom school to its currrent, maximum capacity of 50 students with the highest graduation rate and enrollment level in the school’s history.