The National Association of Secondary School Principals named Jon Wilcox, Petoskey Middle School, as one of the top three finalists for the 2025 National Principal of the Year. This prestigious recognition celebrates Wilcox’s exemplary leadership, innovative approaches to education and his unwavering commitment to student success and school improvement.
It has been more than 14 years since Michigan has had a finalist in the running for a National Administrator of the Year award.
“We are incredibly honored to have Jon Wilcox represent Michigan as a finalist for the NASSP National Principal of the Year,” said Wendy Zdeb, Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals Executive Director. “His dedication to creating a thriving, inclusive school environment has made a lasting impact on his students, staff and larger education community.”
From a pool of more than 50 candidates, down to three finalists, Wilcox was honored as a finalist at NASSP’s National Principals of the Year Recognition Gala in Washington, D.C., Oct. 18. Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley from Winnsboro, South Carolina’s Fairfield Central High School, was presented with the NASSP POY Award.
Although Wilcox did not receive the award, Zdeb, expressed Michigan’s pride for Wilcox and the work he continues to do.
“Jon exemplifies the very best in educational leadership and we couldn’t be more proud of this well-deserved recognition at the national level,” Zdeb said.
Wilcox’s 20+ year career in education spans multiple states, including teaching positions in Alaska and Michigan and more than 14 years as a building administrator.
NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe praised Wilcox and the other finalists for their transformative leadership.
“They’ve created vibrant learning environments where innovation flourishes and every student is empowered to reach their full potential,” Nozoe said.
Under Wilcox’s leadership as principal since 2015, Petoskey Middle School has flourished thanks to his focus on building leadership capacity among teachers and students, and fostering a culture where every voice is valued. His introduction of tiered supports for students and a collaborative approach to problem-solving have contributed to a positive, inclusive school environment.
His ability to blend data-driven decision making with a student-centered approach has made a lasting impact on the Petoskey community and beyond.
This national recognition follows Wilcox receiving Michigan’s 2024 Principal of the Year earlier this year by MASSP. He now joins the ranks of exceptional school leaders across the country who are recognized for their visionary contributions to the education system.
Previous Articles/Videos:
- NASSP Jon Wilcox National Principal of the Year Finalist 2025 Video (October 18, 2024)
- NASSP Three National Finalist Video (September 5, 2024)
- NASSP Announces Principal of the Year Finalists (September 4, 2024)
- MASSP: Petoskey Middle School Leader Named MI 2024 Principal of the Year (March 13, 2024)
About MASSP: The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals represents the state’s high school, career technical education, middle-level principals and assistant principals. MASSP was first established in 1911 and for more than 100 years has worked to be the premier educational association, promoting excellence in school leadership and advocating for education system improvements – including guiding curriculum and transforming state standards – for the benefit of students, teachers, education leaders and schools throughout Michigan. For more than 30 years, MASSP has been committed to growing leadership both in the profession of the principalship, but also within the students that principals lead. Throughout time, the Michigan Associations of Student Councils and Honor Societies, MASSP’s Student Leadership Division, has become one of the most successful state student leadership organizations across the nation. The two main functions of MASC/MAHS are: adviser/sponsor and student programming.
About NASSP: The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for principals and other school leaders across the United States. NASSP seeks to transform education through school leadership, recognizing that the fulfillment of each student’s potential relies on great leaders in every school committed to the success of each student. 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 Student Council.
About Principal of the Year Award Programs: For more information about the NASSP National Principal of the Year program, visit www.nassp.org/poy. For more information on MASSP’s and the Michigan Associations of Student Councils and Honor Societies Michigan Principal of the Year program, visit massp.com/poty.