Dr. Deborah Dennie, principal of Leonardtown Middle School in St. Mary’s County Public Schools, has been named one of three middle school finalists nationwide for the 2026 National Principal of the Year Award presented by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
The announcement came April 13, 2026, from the Maryland State Department of Education in Baltimore. Dennie, who has led Leonardtown Middle School for 10 years, earned the distinction after being selected as Maryland Middle School Principal of the Year by the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals on Jan. 7, 2026. She now advances to compete at the national level among three middle school finalists.
The National Principal of the Year Award recognizes exceptional contributions to student success, school improvement, and educational leadership. Winners in the middle and high school categories will be revealed Friday, April 17, 2026, during the NASSP National Education Leadership Awards Gala in Washington, D.C.
Dennie has built a reputation for steady, visionary leadership at Leonardtown Middle School. According to NASSP materials, her approach emphasizes high expectations, data-driven instructional improvements, student accountability, and a culture of continuous professional growth for educators. She is noted for mentoring staff and encouraging them to take on leadership roles, which has strengthened teaching and learning across the school while supporting student and staff well-being.
Maryland education leaders praised her work. Dr. Carey Wright, State Superintendent of Schools, said, “Dr. Dennie is an outstanding school leader who cares deeply for her students, educators, and school community. Her dedication and vision are a powerful example of what strong, student-centered leadership can achieve.”
Dr. Joshua L. Michael, President of the State Board of Education, added, “Principal Dennie represents the level of excellence we strive for in school leadership across our state. Her commitment to elevating teaching and learning, and dedication to mentoring and empowering educators, has strengthened her entire school community.”
Dennie’s recognition builds on more than 25 years of service in St. Mary’s County Public Schools. Local coverage from Southern Maryland Chronicle highlighted the January MASSP honor as a testament to her long-term impact in the region. The award process began with state-level selections, advanced to national finalist status in recent weeks, and culminates with the gala announcement later this week.
Leonardtown Middle School serves students in the heart of St. Mary’s County, part of Southern Maryland’s tri-county area known for its mix of rural communities, growing suburbs, and proximity to military installations and the Chesapeake Bay. Strong school leadership in such districts often plays a key role in addressing regional challenges like student attendance, workforce preparation, and community engagement.
If selected as the national winner, Dennie would join a prestigious group of principals whose work influences education policy and practice nationwide. The other middle school finalists are Sonia Ruiz of Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and David “Dave” Wiedlich of Radnor Middle School in Radnor, Pennsylvania.
St. Mary’s County Public Schools officials have not issued additional public comments beyond the state release as of April 13. The school system continues regular operations while celebrating this milestone for one of its leaders.
This development highlights the quality of educational leadership emerging from Southern Maryland schools. Educators and families in the region often point to dedicated principals as central to fostering positive learning environments amid evolving state and national priorities in public education.
