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Dr. Brent Osborn, principal at Lakeside High School in Nine Mile Falls School District, is our 2026 Washington State Secondary Principal of the Year. Osborn’s focus on strong systems and his belief in his students and staff drive powerful change in his rural school community. At a time when principal turnover is a concern for long-term student and staff wellbeing, Osborn’s 14 years (and counting!) at Lakeside High School shows the impact of consistent, meaningful years in the same building.

The Association of Washington School Principals (51¸£ÀûÉç) proudly announces the 2025 Washington State Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year award recipients. These outstanding school leaders have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success, equity, and community engagement. Their visionary leadership has transformed their schools into inclusive, high-achieving environments where students and staff thrive.

February is 51¸£ÀûÉç Member Engagement Month! Each week this month, we're highlighting opportunities for members like you to get more involved with your professional association. This week we want to call special attention to our Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Award program.

Dana Stiner, principal at Pine Tree Elementary School in the Kent School District, was named this year’s Washington State Elementary Principal of the Year. Stiner will also be recognized at the national level by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). She will be recognized with winners from other states as one of NAESP’s National Distinguished Principals.

Shannon Leatherwood, principal at Spanaway Middle School in the Bethel School District, was named this year’s Washington State Secondary Principal of the Year. Leatherwood will also be recognized at the national level by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). She will compete with winners from other states for the NASSP National Principal of the Year award.