Article originally published on nassp.org.

Mrs. Mallory Kincaid, assistant principal at Auburn Junior High School in the Auburn City School System has been named the Alabama Assistant Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP). As the Alabama state winner, Kincaid will represent Alabama in the 2022 National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) National Assistant Principal of the Year selection process.

Kincaid has 16 years of experience in the field of education with 3 years experience as an assistant principal. She previously served as an instructional coach at Auburn Junior High School and in Russellville City Schools. From 2013-2015, she was an AMSTI specialist at the University of North Alabama.

The belief that “relationships are the foundation of leadership” has led to the building of a positive school culture and climate at Auburn Junior High School. Kincaid works to build relationships with all stakeholders. By supporting and encouraging teachers as well as ensuring students are academically, socially, and emotionally prepared, Kincaid has influenced the school culture in a way that has helped the school community to overcome hurdles such as teacher burnout, teacher retention, student performance, and overall morale.

Leading Auburn Junior High School through strategic planning has been one of Kincaid’s most instrumental achievements as an assistant principal. By engaging a group of stakeholders, a new school mission, vision, and five-year action plan was developed. The group worked collaboratively to create an intentional plan to move the school forward in teaching and learning, diversity, innovation and technology, and building relationships.

Pineapple Day is another program implemented by Kincaid which has been instrumental in providing powerful professional learning for teachers at Auburn Junior High School. Pineapples are the universal sign of welcome, and the program’s intent is to welcome peer teachers into classrooms to observe. Teachers who were once hesitant to invite peers to observe their classrooms are now excited to be pineapple hosts. This job-embedded professional learning has organically created a collaborative professional learning culture and enhanced teacher efficacy and morale.

A panel of judges selected Kincaid from numerous applicants across the state of Alabama. The surprise announcement was made at a staff Christmas luncheon for the faculty and staff at Auburn Junior High School. She will represent the state as Alabama’s nominee for the National Assistant Principal of the Year award sponsored by NASSP. Kincaid will also serve a one-year term on the AASSP Board of Directors as the Assistant Principal of the Year.

“Mallory Kincaid is the kind of assistant principal that is a true asset to the school and community she serves. Her ability to build relationships that not only influence school culture but also transform problems into opportunities for growth is a trait to be admired,” says Dr. Vic Wilson, AASSP Executive Director.

Mr. Tony Bonds, principal of Russellville Middle School in the Russellville City School System, has been named the 2023 Alabama Middle School Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP).

Bonds has served a total of 13 years in the field of education with the last 5 years in administration. He earned a master’s degree from Bethel University in 2014 and is currently working on his doctorate in educational leadership at Liberty University. Bonds began his career as an educator and coach at West Carroll High School then at Henry County High School. In 2018, he transitioned to administration as the assistant principal at Russellville Middle School and was named principal in 2019.

The Middle School Principal of the Year Award was presented to Bonds on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Russellville Middle School. Russellville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Heath Grimes was in attendance for the presentation. Horace Mann sponsors this award annually. An office makeover will be provided by Interior Elements.

While growing up in Russellville, Mr. Bonds did not remain there. His experiences outside the Russellville area have given him a broader perspective and allowed him to bring many new ideas back to the school system. A product of the Russellville City School system, Bonds recognizes the continuous changes to the community while appreciating and honoring the rich culture and traditions that remain.

A commonsense approach to school leadership is what Bonds brought to Russellville Middle School. By adapting schedules to accommodate the large English Language Learner population, the school was able to increase the number of students meeting their ACCESS target scores by 20% in two years. The adaptation also allowed the school to refocus its efforts on math proficiency which was reflected on the school’s ACAP scores for 2021-2022.

School culture at Russellville Middle School has also been impacted by Bonds’ leadership. Teachers are now being coached during Coffee House Coaching rather than during their planning time. Using peer-reviewed common assessments, Bonds led the effort to develop collaborative teaching in grade levels and core content areas. Another focus area for Bonds was serving the community by including community members in enrichment activities as well as service projects.

Celebrating staff and students has also contributed to an increased sense of morale. Teachers receive brag boxes to celebrate their successes. It is not unusual for Bonds to surprise the teachers by providing a massage therapist for the day or by setting up a coffee bar with snacks and meals to show his appreciation. Students are rewarded with fun activities such as school dances and inflatable parties.

Bonds was chosen from three district finalists. Each finalist interviewed with a panel of judges at the AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference in November where the Middle School Principal of the Year was determined. The other finalists were Desaree Jackson, principal of Calera Middle School in the Shelby County School System, and Kyle Pinckard, principal of Boaz Middle School in the Boaz City School System.

“I am ecstatic that someone as deserving as Mr. Bonds is being recognized as the Alabama Middle School Principal of the Year. There is no one more deserving than Mr. Bonds. He is an amazing principal; a natural-born leader. He loves the students, loves the job, and loves Russellville. He has built a culture of support and collaboration and the love for him is obvious from teachers, staff, students, and community,” said Dr. Heath Grimes, Russellville City Schools superintendent.

“Congratulations to Tony Bonds on being named the Alabama Middle School Principal of the Year,” comments Dr. Vic Wilson, CLAS and AASSP executive director. “His dedication to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for his students is truly inspiring. Well-deserved recognition for a leader who truly makes a difference.”

Bonds will be recognized at the Awards Luncheon during the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) Convention on June 13, 2023, at the Mobile Convention Center in Mobile, Ala. The CLAS Convention is the largest gathering of school leaders in the state of Alabama. He will also be recognized at the AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference in November 2023.

Mr. Daniel Barrentine, principal of George W. Long High School in the Dale County School System, has been named 2023 Alabama High School Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP).

Barrentine has served a total of 16 years in the field of education with the last 10 years spent in education administration. Since July 2019, he has led George W. Long High School as the principal.

The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Barrentine on Friday, January 13, 2023, at George W. Long High School in a schoolwide assembly. Dale County Superintendent Mr. Ben Baker was in attendance for the presentation. American Fidelity Assurance sponsors this award annually and Interior Elements grants an office makeover to the recipient.

One of Barrentine’s greatest accomplishments is the development of a high-expectations-driven environment at George W. Long High School. A collaborative effort between teachers, staff, students and community members, the culture of high expectations has created a positive impact throughout the school. ELA achievement increased dramatically with ACT and ACAP scores being in the top 30 in Alabama. The school continues to be in the top 5 in math achievement.

Barrentine is credited with developing an advisory block to focus on ACT preparation for students in grades 9-12. Each grade level is on a 3-week rotation ensuring they will receive instruction in ELA, math, and science in each 9-week grading period. Each group is determined by achievement, which allows instruction to meet students at their level. The advisory block has allowed students to learn test-taking strategies and expose students to the ACT at an earlier grade level while monitoring progress using practice tests throughout the year. Teachers also have opportunities to grow professionally without disrupting the flow of the normal school day.

Barrentine was chosen from three district finalists. Each finalist interviewed with a panel of judges at the AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference in November where the winner was determined. The other finalists were Antjuan Marsh, principal of Lee High School in Montgomery Public Schools, and Micah Smothers, principal of Addison High School in Winston County Schools.

“We are so excited for Mr. Barrentine to receive this honor. He does an outstanding job. He is an asset to this school and the community. He is just a great leader,” comments Dale County Schools Superintendent Mr. Ben Baker.

“It is no surprise to me that Daniel Barrentine was named Alabama’s High School Principal of the Year,” said CLAS and AASSP Executive Director Dr. Vic Wilson. “His leadership speaks of his commitment to ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education.”