New Albany High School Principal Honored as State Principal of the Year at Washington, DC Institute

Evans Discusses Local Education Needs with Members of Congress

New Albany, Mississippi – Lance Evans, principal of New Albany High School, was honored as state secondary school principal of the year at the NASSP Principal of the Year Institute, a Washington, DC event hosted annually by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). During the Institute, Evans formally received his award and discussed the needs of local schools with federal policymakers.

“Receiving the state principal of the year award was a tremendous honor for me, my school, and my community,” said Evans. “But more important, it gave me an opportunity to share the great things about our school with our elected officials in Washington and to encourage our members of Congress to pass laws that support education.”

During the September 15-18 Institute, Evans had the opportunity to meet with Senator Thad Cochran, Senator Roger Wicker, and Representative Trent Kelly to discuss important issues that public education is currently facing.

“We were honored to have so many extraordinary principals gather in Washington, DC to receive the attention they deserve,” said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti. “Our goal is to ensure principals are recognized for their work, but also to include principals’ voices in the national conversation about education.”

The NASSP Principal of the Year Institute annually gathers the state middle level and high school principals of the year in Washington, DC for several days of professional development, networking, and advocacy activities. From the group of 90 state principals of the year, a panel of judges selected six finalists for National Principal of the Year. Those six finalists participated in interviews at the beginning of the Institute. The NASSP National Principal of the Year will be announced in October in recognition of National Principals Month (www.principalsmonth.org).

About NASSP

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States and 35 countries around the world. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high-quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Association of Student Councils.