The Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year Awards recognize outstanding school administrators for their exemplary contributions to students, schools and communities. Through their innovative leadership and dedication to academic excellence, they have increased student and school performance and have established safe learning environments for our children. These individuals have utilized teamwork and leadership skills to increase student performance, and promote safe learning environments, often through establishing partnerships with parents and community members.

Kristine Knapp
Charles W. Flanagan High School

Kristine Knapp has served as assistant principal at Charles W. Flanagan High School for the last three years. Knapp cheered, “F-A-L-C-O-N-S, we are the Falcons, we are the best,” first as a student in 1996 when the school first opened its doors and today, nearly 25 years later, she continues to chant the same cheer as assistant principal with even greater enthusiasm. “I represent Charles W. Flanagan High School with unprecedented pride and commitment,” said Knapp.

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Louis Kushner
New Renaissance Middle School

Louis Kushner has served as assistant principal at New Renaissance Middle School for the last three years. “I want nothing more than for my teachers to feel supported to the best of my ability, and for my students to feel that their education and their life mattered to someone,” said Kushner.

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Anthony Smith
Everglades High School

Anthony Smith has served as assistant principal at Everglades High School for 15 years. He has worked to identify students in need of intervention and created partnerships with school counselors, social workers, teachers and exceptional education support personnel to ensure that every student can succeed. “As a leader, I find my greatest role is that of mentor,” said Smith.