MASSP honors Everett High School Principal Amy Boyles for her transformational leadership and positive impact on students and educators.
Amy Boyles, principal of Everett High School in Lansing, has been named Michigan’s 2027 High School Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.
Boyles was surprised with the award by MASSP Executive Director Colin Ripmaster during a school-wide celebration in Everett’s gymnasium attended by students, teachers, Lansing School District Superintendent Jessica Benavides and Lansing Mayor Andy Schor.
“Amy Boyles is an incredible leader who puts her heart into everything she does. Her passion for student success and genuine care for students, staff and families shine through in her leadership every day,” said Benavides. “She has brought meaningful change to Everett High School, making it a stronger and better place for everyone.”
Since becoming principal in 2021, Boyles has helped transform Everett’s school culture, expectations and opportunities for students. Working alongside educators, students, families and community partners, she has addressed challenges related to school safety, student engagement and staff stability while building a stronger foundation for learning.
“Her high expectations, data-driven mindset, and belief that everything we do should be rooted in ‘doing what’s best for kids’, has created a culture of success and pride at Everett,” said Jessica Allen, Everett High School Assistant Principal.
The results of her leadership include significant improvements in school climate. According to her award nomination, Everett’s annual office discipline referrals have declined from more than 2,000 to fewer than 400, while the school’s reported graduation rate has reached 95 percent.
“We have faced unique challenges while working to transform Everett, and Amy’s steady leadership has made a world of difference in how we do things on a daily basis. Our student achievement data has steadily improved, our school is safer than ever before, and our graduation and attendance rates are soaring,” said Allen.
Boyles has also strengthened instructional practices through professional learning communities, teacher coaching, classroom walkthroughs and a shared focus on standards-based instruction and literacy. Expanded Advanced Placement and Pre-AP opportunities have increased access to rigorous coursework.
Beyond the classroom, Boyles has worked with educators and community partners to expand opportunities for students through college visits, cultural experiences, athletics and other activities that help students envision possibilities for their futures.
“Amy stepped into a school facing significant challenges and saw not only what needed to change, but what was possible. She worked alongside students, educators and families to strengthen relationships, establish shared expectations and expand opportunities,” said Ripmaster. “What stands out is the difference those efforts are making in the lives of people at Everett. Students are discovering new possibilities for their futures, and educators are seeing what they can accomplish together. That’s how leadership changes lives.”
A veteran educator with 25 years of experience, including 15 years in administration, Boyles was nominated by Clara Martinez. Her selection followed a two-stage review involving student leaders from Michigan Student Leadership and members of the MASSP Board of Directors. Both committees considered evidence of leadership and impact across instructional leadership, innovation, school culture and community engagement.
MASSP celebrates four building leaders annually as part of their statewide Administrators of the Year Award program. The awards recognize exceptional middle and high school principals and assistant principals, and the difference they make in the lives of students, educators and their communities.
Boyles will represent Michigan as its nominee for the National Principals Association High School Principal of the Year competition. All state award winners will be recognized at the National Education Leadership Awards ceremony in February 2027 in Tampa, FL.
The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) supports and develops Michigan’s middle and high school principals, assistant principals and other school leaders through professional learning, advocacy, resources and a statewide leadership community. Through its student division, Michigan Student Leadership (MSL), MASSP also supports student leadership development across Michigan. Learn more about the Administrators of the Year awards program at https://massp.com/poty/.