Mark Andresen is the 2025 North Dakota Secondary School Principal of the Year. Mark is the principal of Mandan High School in Mandan, ND. Previously, he was a science teacher and girls’ basketball coach. In his 21 years as principal of Mandan, he has worked diligently to improve test scores, graduation rates, and dual credit opportunities, as well as to support and implement numerous programs that benefit all students. Most recently, he played a key role in the team that designed, built, and opened Mandan’s new high school. He has also championed equity, creating programs that support Native American students, English learners, and those with special needs. His efforts have led to remarkable increases in graduation rates and a truly inclusive school environment. Perhaps most impressive is his ability to empower both staff and students, building a culture of collaboration and leadership, from teacher teams guiding major changes to students taking on leadership roles in their community. He is the state coordinator for the North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals.

Terita Walker - 2025 Colorado State Principal of the Year and NASSP National Principal of the Year Finalist.  Terita Walker has served as the principal of East High School in Denver, CO, for four years. She has transformed the school into a model of inclusivity, academic excellence, and student empowerment. Through intentional leadership and a deep commitment to equity, she has fostered a culture where students and staff thrive. Recognizing that a strong school culture is built on trust and relationships, she prioritizes direct engagement with students, staff, parents, and the community. She hosts monthly coffee chats for parents and staff, engages regularly with the school’s more than 90 affinity groups, and co-hosts events with the East Angel Foundation. She credits the school’s success to the incredible students, dedicated leadership team, committed staff, supportive parents, engaged alumni, district partners, and the greater East community. Instagram - @eastangels_madamprincipal Email - twalker@dpsk12.net  

Spencer Long is the 2025 Tennessee Secondary Principal of the Year. Spencer Long is the executive principal of Halls High School in Halls Crossroads, TN Knox County. A proud alumnus of Halls, he began his career at Halls as a science teacher and assistant football and baseball coach. He moved into administration with roles as an athletic director and assistant principal. Under his leadership, Halls successfully completed its first year of reorganization as an 865 Academies High School, part of an innovative initiative to better prepare students for college and career pathways. In recognition of his leadership and service to the community, he was named the Halls Business and Professional Association’s Man of the Year in 2023. He currently serves as vice president of the Knox County Schools Association of Secondary School Principals. His leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership. He maintains an open-door policy and prioritizes active listening, visibility, and frequent communication with students, staff, families, and the broader community. He believes a principal should be consistently present in classrooms, hallways, the lunchroom, and at extracurricular events to foster strong relationships and a supportive school culture. Feel free to contact for more information: X- @HHS_MrLong, @HallsHighTN Instagram - @spen_long, @hallshightn Email - spencer.long@knoxschools.org        

Pierre Orbe - New York Secondary Principal of the Year - 2025DeWitt Clinton High School New York City Pierre Orbe is the principal of DeWitt Clinton High School in Bronx, NY. Previously, he was a science teacher and an assistant principal. He leads one of the nation’s most historic schools—alma mater to icons like Stan Lee, Ralph Lauren, and James Baldwin. Under his leadership, DeWitt Clinton’s graduation rate has increased from under 46% to more than 97%, with significant equity gains for Black and Hispanic students, English language learners, and students with IEPs. Listening to student and family voices, he has introduced purpose-driven innovations such as a nursing pathway and EMT certifications, a computer science sequence with industry credentials, and college credit-bearing courses. After-school vocational programs in plumbing, electrical, cosmetology, barbering, tattoo design, and culinary arts have provided students with real-world skills and job prospects. He credits this success to a committed staff, empowered students, and a community ready to reclaim its legacy. porbe@schools.nyc.gov Location: 100 West Mosholu Parkway South, Bronx NY 10468 Phone: (718) 543-1000  

Proud principal Laura Tobias of State College Area High School, Pennsylvania is an amazing school leader. Laura has created a special place in the shadows of Happy Valley. Her daily positive messages, academic interventions, and learning centers are just the tip of this inspiring conversation.  If you are looking to model your school after a dynamic school leader, look no farther or just listen to this episode.  Pennsylvania Principal of the Year 2025   Contact Mrs. Tobias:E-mail lst13@scasd.orgOffice number 814-272-4074              State College Area High650 Westerly ParkwayState College, PA 16801 X- @LauraTobias18

Dr. Jonathon Guthrie, Proud Principal of Bentonville West High School, Arkansas shares how he and his team opened Bentonville West, which just completed it's 9th year. As part of the State POY Series - Jonathon Guthrie is the Arkansas Principal of the year - 2025.  He led his team to set the culture, hiring the staff, ordering every desk, chair and trash can! Bentonville West High School has seen academic growth and success earlier than some expected with the intention of  "Winning them Over".    Dr. Jonathon Guthrie Bentonville West High School 1351 Gamble RoadCenterton, AR. 72719479-286-9800 jguthrie@bentonvillek12.org  

Miguel Salazar is the principal of Sundown Middle School in Sundown, TX. Previously he was a math teacher, coach, assistant principal, and high school principal. He is dedicated to fostering positive school cultures, promoting equity, and ensuring student success. His leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that a thriving educational community is built upon shared accountability, high standards, and continuous improvement. He champions proactive strategies to cultivate a positive school culture, focusing on building genuine relationships, addressing mental health needs, and celebrating student achievements. He is committed to equipping students with the academic, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed, and credits his staff for their willingness to carry out this vision. 2025 NASSP Finalist for National Middle School Principal of the Year

State Principal of the Year Series - Michigan's Adam Lancto Adam Lancto is the principal of Grandville High School in Grandville, MI and the 2025 Michigan Secondary Principal of the Year.  Previously, he served as assistant principal. A visible leader who consistently attends student and community events, he championed students by creating programs such as the Student Voice Committee to help students feel a sense of belonging, and courses that align to the world of work, including auto maintenance and repair, aeronautics, and EMT training, so students can explore college and career opportunities. Under his leadership, he has built a robust MTSS system with a dedicated academic intervention period, a schoolwide PBIS system, and a guaranteed and viable curriculum. These efforts have reduced failure rates and chronic absenteeism, and increased student performance.   X- @AdamLancto81 Instagram -@grandvillehighschool  

Kansas' 2025 Principal of the year, Kelly Whittaker has served as the principal of Ottawa High School in Ottawa, KS, since 2018. Previously, she served as an assistant principal of Shawnee Heights High School and Goshen High School in Indiana. She taught special education at the elementary and middle school levels before transitioning to a career as an administrator. Under her leadership, Ottawa’s graduation rate has consistently increased from 80.5% to an average of 95%. She has also implemented a robust advisory program that includes student-led conferences, giving students a voice through the Jostens Renaissance Program, and strengthening the school culture and climate. She credits this success to a phenomenal staff, outstanding students, and community support. Contact Kelly for more information: X- @kelwhitt217 Website - https://www.usd290.org/o/ohs/page/administration  

Jason Di Giulio, EdD, is the principal of Hazen Union School in Hardwick, VT. He is known for his transformational leadership, particularly in advancing the community schools model in rural Vermont. Under his guidance, Hazen Union has expanded access to mental health services, family engagement programs, and strategic partnerships with local organizations and higher education institutions. Di Giulio’s background as a commissioned Army officer, college and high school educator, and scholar in both poetry and education uniquely informs his inclusive and innovative approach to school leadership. His commitment to equity, collaboration, and whole-child support has positioned Hazen Union as a responsive, student-centered educational institution. https://hazen.ossu.org/en-US/principals-page-851d29d4  

Damon C. Lewis, EdD , is the principal of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy in Norwalk, CT. Previously, he was the assistant principal. Under his leadership, Ponus Ridge, a 6–8 middle school, reduced chronic absenteeism from 31% to 8% in one year. His school has increased the number of minority students in the gifted and talented program, and the number of female students in accelerated math. He has championed an equity-driven and “Every Day Counts” culture where PSAT scores for grade 8 students outpaced national, state, and district metrics. He is the facilitator for the Black Male Administrator cohort in the district and mentors younger principals. He has expanded course offerings to include coding, computer science, robotics, music technology, immersive media; more than 20 after-school clubs; a Hispanic parent group; an in-school food pantry for families; and a care closet. Dr. Lewis is a NASSP Finalist for the National Middle School Principal of the Year. 

2025 Wyoming Principal of the Year, Chase Christensen shares how he led a state initiative to provide an apprenticeship for aspiring administrators and created  work based opportunities for his seniors.  Chase serves as the state coordinator for the Wyoming Association of Secondary School Principals, championing public education and leadership development. Recently, he initiated a statewide apprenticeship program through the association, designed to offer mentorship and potential financial support for aspiring school leaders. Deeply committed to filling the leadership pipeline and advancing equitable school funding, he attributes the district’s success to the unwavering dedication of its teachers, staff, students, and families. He also recognizes the collaborative spirit of Wyoming’s principals in guiding and mentoring the next generation of educational leaders. Sheridan County School District #3 - Clearmont, Wyoming.  cchristensen@shr3panthers.com  

Efa Huckaby, the 2025 California Principal of the Year from Liberty High School in Brentwood, CA shares the details of his how he and his school community defined and implemented the expectations of what it means to be a Liberty High School Warrior. This includes their Welcome Week activities.  Instagram - @efahuckaby @Libertyhighofficial

Texas Principal of the Year, Dr. Winston McCowan Jr. of Chisholm Trail High School, Fort Worth, Texas shares how his  student "Ranger Voice" committee enhanced their school community. This campus wide student led committee consists of students from all athletic teams, clubs, and organizations to represent student voice.  Contact Dr. McCowan Jr. for more information Email - wmccowan@ems-isd.net X/Twitter - @McCowanWinston Instagram - drwinjr98

Alabama's 2025 Principal of the Year, Dr. Matt Epps of Career Technical School in Columbiana, Alabama shares his strategies of personalizing a students' educational journey through student voice and leadership. The personal inventory assessment was intentional to gain insight to the students' perception of their skill sets and the school's role in helping them better achieve their goals. The results have been incredibly insightful for student and staff growth., and this was in 1 year of Dr. Epps' tenure at C-Tech. Can't wait to see year 2 and beyond! See some the survey tools utilized during this process.  Contact Dr. Epps for more information: Instagram - Drmathewcoachepps X/Twitter - @drMatCoachEpps Student Self Assessment Student Culture Survey NASSP’s 2025 State Principals of the Year

In this inspiring episode of the Proud Principals Podcast, we sit down with Principal Jen Cimaglia, from Hardyston Elementary, Franklin, NJ who saw a critical learning gap in her school and took bold, informed action to close it. Jen shares the story behind her decision to implement the Wilson Reading System — a structured literacy program designed to support students with language-based learning difficulties. Listen as she walks us through the “why” and “how” behind this game-changing initiative, the impact it's had on student achievement and confidence. The results have been transformative, changing the trajectory of students' academic lives and bringing a renewed sense of purpose and success to educators. This episode is a must-hear for any educational leader searching for practical, proven ways to support struggling readers. Jen Cimaglia’s thoughtful leadership and dedication to doing what’s best for kids shine through every step of the process. If you're interested in learning more about how the Wilson Reading System could benefit your school community, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jen directly — she’s eager to support fellow educators looking to make a difference. Contact Jen Cimaglia at @Hardyston_principal on Instagram

Proud Principal Josh Tovar exudes energy and pride for his students and staff of Memorial Pathway Academy in Garland, Texas. He celebrates their success every day in every way. This positive approach creates a culture of ALL stakeholders being seen and celebrated for their daily work.  We all want to promote student and staff success. Listen to how Josh Tovar does it like no other we have heard on Proud Principals Podcast.  You are encouraged to contact Josh to learn more. X - @JTSPOTLIGHTS  or @MPA_GOJAGUARS YouTube - @JTSPOTLIGHTS     Instagram - JTSPOTLIGHTS  

Kevin Carroll is the Proud Principal of Waldwick High School in New Jersey. Kevin shares an amazing community service opportunity for his students and staff.  The Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Service is as a powerful reminder of the impact of service and the importance of giving back to the Waldwick community. He believes that participating in the MLK Week of Service fosters growth in his students while contributing to the betterment of our community.Last year, over 320 students and 30+ staff members participated in various service activities. It was a strong start, and this year, he is excited to expand the opportunities and aim for even more student involvement.The Waldwick HS Social Studies Department leads this initiative.  Their goal is for every member of the WHS community to engage in some form of service during the MLK Week of Service. Interested in implementing community service into your school, contact Kevin Carroll at Waldwick High School  carrollk@waldwickschools.org  X- @Kevin_Carroll_  

Rich Czyz of Yardville Elementary School in New Jersey shares his proudest student recognition program. If you want to develop better people through meaningful recognition. Come up with an annual theme with specific monthly traits your school wants to encourage within their student behaviors. Need a Positive Culture Builder,  then listen to Rich's share.  Rich Czyz is the author of the following books: The Four O’Clock Faculty - A Rogue Guide to Revolutionizing Professional Development The Secret Sauce - Essential Ingredients for Exceptional Teaching Rogue Leader - Make the Rules, Inspire Others, and Take control of of your own Professional Development Destiny Upcoming Book in the Spring 2025 - Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders

Proud Principal Derek Cantrell of Alleghany HS in Virginia, led the consolidation of two history-rich high schools into a single institution. This journey required building a shared identity, strengthening relationships, and creating excitement for a unified vision of success. Through this process, he learned that a positive school culture doesn’t just happen—it’s built intentionally with clear strategies, consistent communication, and collaboration at every level. Listen and Learn about Culture - Better Together!