Five exceptional students are beginning their college journeys with support from the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), which has awarded them the 2026 Diann Woodard S
Some students have lost their mother, while others live apart from her due to divorce, incarceration, military deployment, or other complex circumstances.
“As a principal, you’re everything to everyone,” Clarence says. “Our children are our most precious jewels. We have to treasure them. Students need leaders who are passionate about their growth and who hold themselves and other educators accountable.”
She credits the military for sharpening her leadership skills, attention to detail and ability to see from different perspectives. “In the military, you become self-sufficient,” she said. “I was a stronger school leader because of it.”
“If it’s just New York City, they can pick you off pretty easily, but when we stand together, when we support unions across the country, we’re unstoppable.”
Major Education organizations have urged federal leaders to immediately release reserve funds and use any other available flexibilities without reducing support for other nutrition programs.
AFSA has joined other labor unions in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue without interruption.
As we celebrate National Principals Month, it’s time to recognize the leaders at the heart of every school’s success. While much of the public conversation about education rightly focuses on teachers, the evidence is clear: next to the classroom teacher, the school principal is the most important in-school factor influencing student learning.
