Twelve principals are receiving national recognition for their success in boosting academics, improving schools and inspiring leadership.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals unveiled the finalists for its National Middle Level and High School Principals of the Year and Assistant Principals of the Year awards. These leaders were chosen based on their ability to “transform” their schools and communities, according to NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe.
Let’s meet each of the finalists in their respective categories:
Middle level principal finalists:
Deborah “Debbie” Dennie, Leonardtown Middle School, St. Mary’s County, MD
As principal over the last 10 years, Dennie has provided steady, visionary leadership grounded in high expectations. Throughout her career, she’s improved instructional practice through data-driven decision-making, elevated student accountability and cultivated a culture of continuous professional growth among educators.
Sonia Ruiz, Jane Addams Middle School, Bolingbrook, IL
Ruiz, who is in her fourth year as principal, makes it a priority to lead with a focus on belonging, equity and shared leadership. Jane Addams Middle School has earned “Exemplary Status” for three consecutive years, placing the school in the top 10% of schools in Illinois.
David “Dave” Wiedlich, Radnor Middle School, Radnor, PA
Wiedlich has distinguished himself as an innovative, student-centered leader committed to school culture. During his tenure, he has advanced data-informed MTSS practices, increased student engagement across all academic settings and expanded curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular offerings to students.
High school level principal finalists
Jason Johnson, Orange High School, Hillsborough, NC
Johnson, who was recently named North Carolina’s Principal of the Year, has more than 25 years in education, previously serving in teaching and school transformation coaching roles. He’s also served on the district’s Equity Task Force, using his “lead with love” philosophy to drive equity and academic growth for students.
Colin McNaught, Cimarron-Memorial High School, Las Vegas, NV
McNaught began his career at Cimarron in 2013 as a biology teacher, later serving as a student council adviser, dean of students and assistant principal. A former Teach for America educator, he is committed to high standards, strong relationships, transparency and collaborative leadership to ensure every student thrives.
Christine Udarbe, Nānākuli High and Intermediate School, Waianae, HI
Udarbe was named the 2026 Hawaii Secondary Principal of the Year and was recognized as a NAESP Leeward District Distinguished Principal in 2023. Through visionary, data-driven leadership, she has led a comprehensive campus transformation grounded in restorative and trauma-informed practices, systemic safety improvements and strong stakeholder collaboration.
Middle level assistant principal finalists
Leah Marsh, Niles Middle School, Niles, OH
Marsh was named Niles’ assistant principal in 2021. She led the implementation of a comprehensive curriculum framework in all core content areas, established a student mentoring and wellness program, and helped drive a 10% reduction in chronic absenteeism through PBIS initiatives. She also serves in leadership roles with the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators and the Ohio Leadership Advisory Council.
Mark Summa, Avon Middle School, Avon, CT
Throughout Summa’s four years as assistant principal, he’s focused on empowering his school community by expanding leadership opportunities for staff, teaching leadership skills to students and incorporating parent voices in school decisions. He has grown the mentorship program, redesigned SEL programming to be responsive to student needs and leveraged teaching excellence to drive instructional development forward to meet all learners where they are.
William “Bill” Toungette, Woodland Middle School, Brentwood, TN
Toungette has been the assistant principal since 1996. His long tenure has resulted in an improved school culture rooted in teacher collaboration, student support systems and family engagement. Colleagues describe him as dependable, compassionate and unwavering in his commitment to excellence.
High school level assistant principal finalists
Amanda Jamerson, Shorewood High School, Shorewood, WI
Jamerson is the associate principal of Shorewood High School, where she has led transformative initiatives that have improved school climate and outcomes, including designing a Restorative Actions Framework that reduced office discipline referrals by 69% over three years. As the building equity lead, she founded the school’s Equity Leadership Team and co-leads the African American Youth Initiative, expanding mentorship, leadership development, and college-readiness opportunities for students across southeastern Wisconsin.
Brooke Mayo, Tualatin High School, Tualatin, OR
Over the last four years, Mayo has been pivotal in creating an inclusive and supportive school culture, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community. Administrators have recognized her work in equity-centered systems leadership, highlighting her ability to lead with courage and care in complex situations. She implemented a partnership between high school and middle school Gay-Straight Alliance students, which has eased transitions for incoming students.
Cara Vienna, Los Alamitos High School, Los Alamitos, CA
Vienna oversees counseling, special education, college and career, math, mental health and intervention as the assistant principal of Los Alamitos High School. Recognized as a servant leader, she prioritizes relationships and collaboration with all stakeholders to drive meaningful change. Under her leadership, Los Alamitos High School achieved a 100% graduation rate for two consecutive years with over 3,000 students enrolled.
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