AWSP is a K-12 organization, and we recognize two winners, one elementary assistant principal and one secondary assistant principal, as our Washington State Assistant Principals of the Year. The elementary winner will represent Washington at the national level as our National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Outstanding Assistant Principal. The secondary winner will represent our state for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) National Assistant Principal of the Year award.
2026 Winners
2026 Washington State Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year: Traci Schultz
Southworth Elementary, Yelm Community Schools
2026 Washington State Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year: Melyssa Stone
Shorewood High School, Shoreline SD
By listening closely to students and rolling up her sleeves to take practical action, Melyssa Stone has transformed Shorewood High School into a place of belonging, support, and self-advocacy. At the core of Stone’s work is a belief that all students are capable. Living by the idea that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Stone’s work continues to elevate those around her—proving that when leaders lead with heart, entire communities flourish.
2026 Nominations for APOY Now Closed!
Process
- Nomination window opens.
- AWSP checks the eligibility of each nominee and communicates with each about their nomination.
- Eligible nominees are sent an application to complete.
- AWSP selection committee scores applications and makes selections.
- Winners/districts are notified.
- State winners complete an application for the national associations’ awards and are honored at their respective events.
Timelines
- Nominations open in April. ANYONE can nominate!
- We will accept nominations through the end of May.
- Nominees can apply through the end of August.
- The selection committee selects a winner to be announced in October during National Principals Month.
- State winners complete the national application packet.
National Recognition
For national recognition, our Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year will represent us for the NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal award. Our Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year will represent us for the National Association of Secondary School Principals Assistant Principal of the Year award. From all the state winners, NASSP will name one National Assistant Principal of the Year during National Assistant Principals Week, the first week of April.
National Association of Elementary School Principals
- Every year, one amazing assistant principal will represent Washington for NAESP’s National Outstanding Assistant Principal Program (NOAP).
- NAESP honors assistant principals from around the country and does not select a national winner.
- Applications for the NOAP program are due in February.
- Winners are recognized at the joint NAESP/NASSP UNITED Conference in July.
National Association of Secondary School Principals
- One amazing assistant principal will represent Washington for NASSP’s National Assistant Principal of the Year program (NAPOY) each year.
- NASSP NAPOY applications are due in December.
- From the state representatives, NASSP selects three finalists and one national winner.
- The winner will be selected and recognized during National AP Week, at the NASSP Trailblazing weekend in Washington, DC.
Principal of the Year
Looking for info about recognition and timelines for our Principal of the Year?