Former Fall River principal, South Carolina, Michigan educators three contenders for national award

The National Association of Secondary School Principals has revealed its top three contenders for the 2025 National Principal of the Year award. Principals Tracie Anderson Swilley, Andrew Rebello and Jon Wilcox have emerged as visionaries reshaping education through innovative leadership and an unwavering commitment to student success.  

“These exceptional finalists exemplify the transformative power of visionary school leadership,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “They’ve created vibrant learning environments where innovation flourishes, data drives decision-making and every student is empowered to reach their full potential. Their ability to cultivate leadership at all levels—from teachers to students—is truly inspiring and sets a new standard for what’s possible in our schools. At NASSP, we’re excited to support these leaders as they help reimagine our education system to meet the diverse needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s challenges.” 

Tracie Anderson Swilley, Fairfield Central High School, Winnsboro, SC 

As principal of Fairfield Central High School, Anderson Swilley has supported the promotion of many of her assistant principals to the principalship, and she has promoted teachers within her building to the role of assistant principal. She has also mentored principals throughout the state. She believes that everyone can achieve with proper assistance and support and uses data to guide her faculty and staff in best practices to improve student outcomes. 

Andrew Rebello, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, Fall River, MA 

Before accepting the position of assistant superintendent of Bristol Plymouth Technical High School in August, Rebello was the principal of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River, MA. Under his leadership, the graduation rate increased to 98%, and Diman was rated the highest-performing high school in the area. Previously, he served as a vice principal and central office administrator for Boston Public Schools. He was appointed to the Economic Development Planning Council by Governor Maura Healy and received the National Milken Educator of the Year award. He serves on the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association Board of Directors. 

Jon Wilcox, Petoskey Middle School, Petoskey, MI 

Jon Wilcox has served as the principal of Petoskey Middle School in Petoskey, MI, since 2015. Previously, he was a science teacher in Napaskiak, AK, and Hart, MI. At Petoskey Middle School, he created an environment where stakeholder voices are heard and valued. By building leadership capacity in teachers and student leaders and by increasing tiered supports, he has helped cultivate a positive school culture. 

For the NASSP Principal of the Year program, each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools and the Department of Defense Education Activity select one middle level or high school principal to represent their state or department, from whom three finalists are chosen. The award recognizes outstanding middle level and high school principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession. 

The 2025 NASSP National Principal of the Year will be selected from among the finalists and announced October 18 at a gala in Washington, DC. To read more about each of the principals of the year, visit www.nassp.org/poy.