NASSP Announces National Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) today announced 12 outstanding school leaders as finalists for the National Middle Level and High School Principals of the Year and Assistant Principals of the Year awards. There are three finalists each for the National Middle Level Principal of the Year, National High School Principal of the Year, National Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year, and National High School Assistant Principal of the Year.

National Principal of the Year finalists (bios below):

Middle Level finalists:

• Deborah "Debbie" Dennie, Leonardtown Middle School in St. Mary's County, MD
• Sonia Ruiz, Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook, IL
• David "Dave" Wiedlich, Radnor Middle School in Radnor, PA

High School finalists:

• Jason Johnson, Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC
• Colin McNaught, Cimarron-Memorial High School in Las Vegas, NV
• Christine Udarbe, Nānākuli High and Intermediate School in Waianae, HI

National Assistant Principal of the Year finalists (bios below):

Middle Level finalists:

• Leah Marsh, Niles Middle School in Niles, OH
• Mark Summa, Avon Middle School in Avon, CT
• William "Bill" Toungette, Woodland Middle School in Brentwood, TN

High School finalists:

• Amanda Jamerson, Shorewood High School in Shorewood, WI
• Brooke Mayo, Tualatin High School in Tualatin, OR
• Cara Vienna, Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos, CA

"These remarkable school leaders are the unsung heroes making schools places where every student belongs and thrives," said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. "NASSP celebrates their dedication because they prove that innovative, student-centered leadership transforms not just schools, but entire communities."

At a gala in Washington, D.C., on April 17, one middle level and one high school finalist will be named the 2026 NASSP National Principals of the Year, and one middle level and one high school finalist will be named the 2026 National Assistant Principals of the Year. Reflecting school leaders' profound commitment to student leadership development, the gala will bring together the State Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year, Advocacy Champion of the Year finalists and the National Honor Society and National Association of Student Council scholarship winners.

For the NASSP Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year programs, 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 select one middle level and one high school principal and one middle level and one high school assistant principal to represent their state or department. From those nominees, three middle level and three high school finalists are chosen for each award category. The national awards recognize middle level and high school principals and assistant principals for their outstanding contributions to student success, school improvement and educational leadership.

Research from the Wallace Foundation underscores the critical importance of these exemplary school leaders. Its landmark study, "How Principals Affect Students and Schools," found that effective school leadership is second only to direct classroom instruction among school-based factors in raising student achievement, but with the added benefit of influencing every student in the school. Principal impact is greatest in low-achieving, high-poverty and minority schools. And, on average, students in schools with effective principals gain up to three months of additional learning each year.

NATIONAL MIDDLE LEVEL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Deborah "Debbie" Dennie, Leonardtown Middle School in St. Mary's County, MD

Deborah Dennie, EdD, has served as the principal of Leonardtown Middle School in St. Mary's County, MD, for 10 years, providing steady, visionary leadership grounded in high expectations and genuine care. During her tenure, she has strengthened instructional practice through data-driven decision-making, elevated student accountability, and cultivated a culture of continuous professional growth among educators. Widely recognized as a mentor and advocate, she empowers staff to pursue leadership opportunities and expand their professional capacity, contributing to improved teaching and learning outcomes schoolwide while prioritizing the emotional and physical well-being of students and staff. She ensures instructional time is purposeful, distractions are minimized, and collaborative planning is both funded and prioritized. This shared focus has resulted in rising proficiency, greater equity in classrooms, and stronger student readiness for high school and beyond.

Sonia Ruiz, Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook, IL

Sonia E. Ruiz is in her fourth year as the principal of Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook, IL, where she leads with a focus on belonging, equity, and shared leadership. She has dedicated her career to ensuring that every student learns at high levels in safe, supportive, and inclusive school communities. Under her leadership, Jane Addams has earned "Exemplary Status" for three consecutive years, placing the school in the top 10% of schools in Illinois. She believes a strong school culture is built through relationships, belonging, and collective responsibility. She has strengthened systems that support academic growth, social-emotional well-being, and equity for all learners. She serves as the Illinois Principal Association's Diversity and Equity Chair.

David "Dave" Wiedlich, Radnor Middle School in Radnor, PA

David M. Wiedlich, EdD, is the principal of Radnor Middle School in Radnor, PA. He has distinguished himself as an innovative, student-centered leader committed to fostering belonging, wellness, and academic growth. Under his leadership, Radnor Middle School has advanced data-informed MTSS practices, increased student engagement across all academic settings, and expanded curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular offerings to students. He has spearheaded the creation of programs that celebrate soft skills and strengthened school culture by continually elevating student and staff voice and ensuring that perspectives of all stakeholders shape schoolwide decisions. His initiatives have enhanced student well-being, broadened learning pathways, deepened community engagement, and helped Radnor Middle School rank as a top middle school in the country. He is an executive board member of the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils and an editorial board member for The Pennsylvania Administrator.

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Jason Johnson, Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC

Jason Johnson is the principal of Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC, and the North Carolina Principal of the Year. With more than 25 years in education, he has served as a teacher and leader in Chatham and Guilford County Schools and as a school transformation coach with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. He first led Orange High from 2012-16 and returned as principal in 2021, reaffirming his commitment to the school community. A two-time Orange County Principal of the Year (2010, 2025), he has also served on the district's Equity Task Force. His "lead with love" philosophy drives his focus on equity and academic growth for all students.

Colin McNaught, Cimarron-Memorial High School in Las Vegas, NV

Colin McNaught is the principal of Cimarron-Memorial High School in Las Vegas, NV. He began his career at Cimarron in 2013 as a biology teacher. He later served 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 in Waianae, HI

Christine Udarbe, EdD, is the principal of Nānākuli High and Intermediate School in Waianae, HI, and a leader in the Hawaii State Department of Education, where she has served since 2022. She was named the 2026 Hawaii Secondary Principal of the Year by the Hawaii Association of Secondary School Administrators. Previously, she was recognized as a 2023 NAESP Leeward District Distinguished Principal. 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. Her work has fostered a safe, trusting, and emotionally supportive environment where all students can thrive academically and socially.

NATIONAL MIDDLE LEVEL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Leah Marsh, Niles Middle School in Niles, OH

Leah Marsh, EdD, has served as assistant principal of Niles Middle School in Niles, OH, since 2021. She is known for steady leadership and a strong commitment to students and staff. 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 Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA) and Ohio Leadership Advisory Council (OLAC), contributing to statewide instructional improvement efforts. Her ability to balance instructional leadership with relationship-driven practices, while consistently focusing on equity and student growth, contributed to her selection as the Ohio Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year.

Mark Summa, Avon Middle School in Avon, CT

Mark Summa has served as assistant principal of Avon Middle School in Avon, CT, for four years. During this time, he has focused on developing an empowered school community by providing leadership opportunities to staff, teaching leadership skills to students, and incorporating parent voices in school decisions. Central to his work is his belief that strong relationships are the foundation for learning. He has grown the mentorship program, redesigned SEL programming to be responsive to student needs, and leveraged the teaching excellence of staff to drive instructional development forward to meet all learners where they are. His steady, compassionate leadership-grounded in trust, growth, and belief in others- has made him a cornerstone of Avon Middle School and the larger school community.

William "Bill" Toungette, Woodland Middle School in Brentwood, TN

Bill Toungette, EdD, has served as assistant principal of Woodland Middle School in Brentwood, TN, since 1996. Throughout his long tenure, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the school's culture and supporting its academic vision. He is recognized for fostering collaboration among teachers, strengthening student support systems, and guiding countless families through the challenges of middle school. His steady leadership has helped Woodland Middle School grow into a thriving, student-centered community. Colleagues describe him as dependable, compassionate, and unwavering in his commitment to excellence. His decades of service reflect a deep dedication to education and have had a profound impact on the Woodland Middle School community. His legacy continues to inspire students, staff, and the community.

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Amanda Jamerson, Shorewood High School in Shorewood, WI

Amanda Jamerson serves as associate principal of Shorewood High School in Shorewood, WI, where she has fostered a restorative, equitable, and student-centered school culture throughout her tenure. Beginning her career as a special education teacher, she brings a deep understanding of inclusive practices and student support systems to her leadership. She has led transformative initiatives that have improved school climate and outcomes, including designing and implementing a Restorative Actions Framework that reduced office discipline referrals by 69% over three years. She also co-led the development of a comprehensive cell phone policy that strengthened instructional focus and reduced peer conflict. 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 in Tualatin, OR

Brooke Mayo has served as the assistant principal of Tualatin High School in Tualatin, OR, since 2022. She has been pivotal in fostering 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 (GSA) students, which has eased transitions for incoming students. She has championed student identity support plans and strengthened anti-bias and hate response systems, ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and valued. Her dedication to enhancing professional development for staff, focused on student support, has significantly contributed to student well-being and adult learning. She leads not from authority, but from humanity, creating a profound and lasting impact on the school community.

Cara Vienna, Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos, CA

Cara Vienna has served as assistant principal of Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos, CA, for five years. She oversees counseling, special education, college and career, math, mental health, and intervention. 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. She has fostered a culture of student voice and engagement through innovative initiatives including a Well Space serving over 900 students per semester, student mentor programs, paid campus internships, and collaborative forums like teacher shadow days and fishbowl seminars. She has expanded Unified Sports and implements annual surveys to ensure that student and teacher perspectives guide decision-making. She credits the school's success to dedicated students, staff, families, and community partners.

Photos of finalists are available upon request.

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