2023 National Magnet Principal of the Year

JOY ABERNATHY-DYER, PH.D.

Villa del Rey Creative Sciences and Arts Magnet School
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Joy Abernathy-Dyer, Ph.D., Villa del Rey Creative Sciences and Arts Magnet School, East Baton Rouge Parish School System, LA – Awarded Magnet School Principal of the Year. Dr. Abernathy-Dyer is a forward thinker who has a big heart for our school, more specifically, the Magnet Program. Since the inception of the Magnet program, Villa del Rey has expanded and grown. Such growth and achievement is attributed to Dr. Abernathy-Dyer’s leadership.

My greatest education contribution and accomplishment as a magnet principal is bringing the Magnet Schools of Assistance Program to Villa del Rey Creative Sciences and Arts Magnet. As principal, we have implemented experiences in our labs offering robotics, outdoor classrooms, gardening, engineering, culinary, and renewable energy labs. – Joy Abernathy-Dyer, Ph.D.

Congratulations to our 2023 Regional Principals of the Year:

REGION I

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, The District of Columbia

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REGION II

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Marianas Islands and Trust Territory of the Pacific

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REGION III

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands

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REGION IV

Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, International

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REGION V

Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

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REGION VI

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin

2022 National Magnet Principal of the Year

BRENDAN MIMS

MS 358 Magnet Schools for STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning
NYC Community School District 28
Jamaica, New York

Brendan T. Mims is the founding principal of MS358 in Queens, NY. He founded MS358 to “motivate hearts, inspire minds, and change the world for the better.” He’s proud that through STEAM-based education and “passionate speaking, purposeful writing, and powerful presentation,” students can practice empathy and advocacy while proficiency rises. He believes that all students deserve a high-quality education and has worked to develop a culture that is inclusive, caring and committed to continual growth and excellence.

Principal Mims has developed a culture that is inclusive, caring, and dedicated to the idea that all students deserve a high quality education where they can thrive and achieve regardless of race, social status, gender, language, orientation, [nationality, religion, or ability. He works with outside organizations, arts partners, cultural institutions, higher education, and all school stakeholders to ensure that MS358 is a community where all students learn at high levels, feel welcomed and included, appreciate their own and other cultures, and work to promote justice and fairness in the school community and beyond.

Congratulations to our 2022 Regional Principals of the Year:

REGION I

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, The District of Columbia

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REGION II

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Marianas Islands and Trust Territory of the Pacific

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REGION III

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands

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REGION IV

Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, International

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REGION V

Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

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REGION VI

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin

2020 National Magnet Principal of the Year

LISA S. NOFFO

Medical Academy for Science and Technology
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Homestead, Florida

In only eight years, Principal Lisa Noffo has led the Medical Academy for Science and Technology (MAST@Homestead) to be one of the most diverse and successful magnet programs in the state. Having grown from only 68 students in 2010 to 775 students in 2019, the school boasts a 100% graduation rate for the last three classes and an ‘A’ rating in state accountability.

Noffo truly believes in the “Saber Family” and credits all faculty and staff as playing a part in student success. MAST@Homestead was designed to be the first medical research institute to provide opportunities to excel in mathematics and science. The school’s medical theme is evident in all courses, a reflection of the involvement and commitment of both teachers and Noffo’s leadership.

Having worked at magnet schools for the arts, humanities, and computer sciences previously, Noffo witnessed firsthand how themed magnet programs have an immense effect on student success. At MAST@Homestead, her work with community partners led to the creation of simulated labs that successfully provide medical experiences, such as the HALS human patient simulators. She has provided funding for Biomedical instructors to be trained through Project Lead the Way in human body systems, biomedical innovations, and biomedical interventions. Through her leadership and support, all the magnet academy lead teachers have been trained to become CPR Instructors, ensuring that all students are certified prior to graduation. By providing the latest technologies to her student body, students are able to identify human body parts using virtual dissections, simulated therapy consultations using Resusci Anne manikins and integrate tools and software such as Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment length Polyphorism Gel Electrophoresis.

As principal, Noffo has impressed upon the faculty that the medical theme should be carried across the curriculum so that students are encouraged to find that their passion is interdisciplinary. But Noffo also invests in the growth of the district by serving as a mentor to other principals as well as aspiring leaders. She has increased community partnerships and contributes her time and skills to the Florida International University School of Engineering and Baptist Hospital Homestead, as well as non-profits such as Enfamilia, The Mexican American Council, and the Redland Migrant Association. Through these partnerships, students have been afforded guest lectures and benefit greatly from her endeavors outside the school. Under her leadership, MAST@Homestead has become a shining example of the positive impact on community involvement in student achievement.

Congratulations to our 2020 Regional Principals of the Year:

REGION I

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, The District of Columbia

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REGION II

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Marianas Islands and Trust Territory of the Pacific

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REGION III

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands

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REGION IV

Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, International

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REGION V

Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

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REGION VI

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin

2019 National Magnet Principal of the Year

2019 Principal of the Year, Dr. Sabrina Suber

Dr. Sabrina Suber

Richland Northeast High School
Richland School District Two
Columbia, South Carolina

As the principal of Richland Northeast High School – an International Baccalaureate school, Dr. Sabrina Suber’s greatest education contribution and accomplishment is watching her students grow into global thinkers and problem solvers. Richland Northeast students come from a rich mix of backgrounds and cultures to create its inclusive community of learners, thinkers, growers and believers.

Dr. Suber has been in a leadership position at Richland Northeast High School for the last 15 years and has been the principal for the last 8 years. The Horizon magnet program has been at Richland Northeast for over 25 years.

It was under Dr. Suber’s leadership and guidance that Richland Northeast became an International Baccalaureate World School. Richland Northeast is also a Nationally Certified Magnet School and earned the MSA School of Excellence seal.

*Sponsored by American Education Solutions

Congratulations to our 2019 Regional Principals of the Year:

REGION I

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

REGION II

Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, The District of Columbia and International

REGION III

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands

REGION IV

Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee

REGION V

Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

REGION VI

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota and Wisconsin

REGION VII

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Marianas Islands and Trust Territory of the Pacific

2018 National Magnet Principal of the Year

Dr. Michael Lofton

Spring Hill High School
School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties
Columbia, South Carolina

Dr. Michael Lofton is the founding principal of Spring Hill High School, a career pathways magnet school in School District Five that offers five focus programs to students from grades 9-12 including: Engineering, Entertainment, Entrepreneurial, Environmental Studies and Exercise Science academies. Through these academies, students are immersed into high tech, real-world environments which develop core knowledge, ignite imagination and make learning relevant by using themed standards-based curriculum. This approach enhances college and career readiness by guiding students to make critical connections between their educational journey and the dynamic world. Spring Hill is the second highest rated high school in the state and its students consistently perform above state and national averages on SAT, ACT, and AP exams.

*Sponsored by American Education Solutions | Croton on Hudson, New York

Congratulations to our 2018 Regional Principals of the Year:

REGION I

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

ARRIA COBURN

The Springfield Renaissance School
Theme(s): Expeditionary Learning (EL) school with a STEM focus
Grade(s): 6-12
Springfield Public Schools
Springfield, Massachusetts

REGION II

Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, The District of Columbia and International

ERIN O’TOOLE-TRIVAS

Parkville Middle School
Theme(s): Applied Engineering, Sustainable Engineering and Architectural Systems, Visual & Graphic Arts, and Mass Communication
Grade(s): 6-8
Baltimore County Public Schools
Parkville, Maryland

REGION III

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands

RAUL CALZADILLA, JR.

Air Base K-8 Center
Theme(s): International Education; Cambridge Program School
Grade(s): K-8
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Homestead, Florida

REGION IV

Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee

MICHAEL LOFTON

Spring Hill High School
Theme(s): Career Pathways
Grade(s): 9-12
School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties
Chapin, South Carolina

REGION V

Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

THERESA COWLING

North Heights Entrepreneurial Leadership Magnet
Theme(s): Entrepreneurial Leadership
Grade(s): 5-6
Texarkana Arkansas School District
Texarkana, Arkansas

REGION VI

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

JEFF PETERSON

Summit View Elementary
Theme(s): Integrated Arts, Design and Creativity
Grade(s): 4K-5
School District of Waukesha
Waukesha, Wisconsin

REGION VII

Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Montano, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

MATT CREASMAN

Northeast Magnet High School
Theme(s): Visual Arts, Law & Public Service and Science
Grade(s): 9-12
Wichita Public Schools
Bel Aire, Kansas

REGION VIII

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, American Samoa, Marianas Islands and Trust Territory of the Pacific

RICHARD SANCHEZ

Mansfeld Magnet Middle School
Theme(s): Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Grade(s): 6-8
Tucson Unified School District
Tucson, Arizona