This year’s finalists for the 2025-26 National Principal of the Year award all have one thing in common: a proven strategy to improve student outcomes.
Six middle and high school-level principals were chosen by the National Association of Secondary School Principals for their exemplary educational leadership skills. According to NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe, the individuals have been able to “provide a practical blueprint that any school can adapt to improve student engagement, boost academic achievement and build stronger school communities,” Nozoe said in a statement.
This year’s finalists include:
Damon Lewis, Ponus Ridge Steam Academy in Norwalk, CT
Lewis has reduced chronic absenteeism at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, a 6-8 middle school, from 31% to 8% in one year. His school has also increased the number of minority students in the gifted and talented program, as well as the number of female students in accelerated math.
He’s championed an equity-driven and “Every Day Counts” culture where PSAT scores for eighth-grade students outpaced national, state and district metrics. Lewis is also the facilitator for the Black Male Administrator cohort in the district and mentors younger principals.
Finally, he’s expanded course offerings to include coding, computer science, robotics, music technology and immersive media, as well as implemented more than 20 after-school clubs, a Hispanic parent group, an in-school food pantry for families and a care closet.
Sherilynn Boehlert, Schoenbar Middle School, Ketchikan, AK
Boehlert was previously the school’s assistant principal and an elementary school principal. Under her leadership, Point Higgins Elementary School was named a National Blue Ribbon School. Additionally, she was selected for Arizona State University West’s Leadership for Educational Entrepreneurs program.
These accomplishments highlight her commitment to educational excellence and leadership. She has long focused on student-centered decision-making, inclusive leadership and data-driven practices, which all foster collaborative environments in her work.
Miguel Salazar, Sundown Middle School, Sundown, TX
Before becoming principal of Sundown Middle School, Salazar 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.
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Tony Cattani, Lenape High School, Medford, NJ
Cattani has been the principal of Lenape High School for 18 years. He is recognized for his role in developing a positive and inclusive school culture where students and staff feel valued and supported.
He has championed professional collaboration, encouraging teachers to grow by learning from their most powerful resource—each other—through more than 3,000 peer observations and collegiality cafes. He models peer observation by sharing best practices with colleagues at New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association conferences.
Known as a tireless advocate for students, he consistently places their well-being and academic and personal growth at the forefront of every initiative. His dedication and impact have set a lasting standard for leadership within the Lenape community and beyond. He is also an executive council member of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.
Terita Walker, Denver East High School, Denver, CO
Walker has transformed East High 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.
Shauna Haney, Ogden High School, Ogden, UT
Before leading Ogden High School, Haney was an assistant principal and exercise science, health, special education and physical education teacher. A two-time Teacher of the Year (2008, 2013), she also received a Distinguished Leadership Award in 2014.
Under her leadership, Ogden was one of Utah’s first schools to implement a no cell phone policy. Her leadership has also helped retain 90% of her teaching staff post-COVID due to her focus on positive school culture and recognition of faculty and staff.
Ogden is making strong progress on goals in literacy, graduation, PBIS and talent development. She credits the school’s success to a dedicated faculty and staff, amazing students and a supportive community.
