2026 Principal’s Awards

Middle School Principal’s Award: deniz

This year’s recipient has grown into someone who brings a steady, positive energy into the classroom—the kind of student teachers genuinely enjoy having around because he makes the room better by simply by being in it.

Last year, keeping this student focused on a conversation topic, let alone an academic task, could sometimes feel a little… aspirational. But this year, something shifted. He’s shown real growth in maturity, focus, and self-awareness, both academically and socially. He participates thoughtfully in class discussions, contributes meaningful ideas, and has become someone teachers can count on to engage in the learning process.

This student’s Health teacher shared a recent story where she told her students that it would be a full “learning and curriculum day” instead of one of their usual walking days. While that announcement may not have been universally celebrated, this student was genuinely excited. He showed up upbeat, engaged, attentive, and curious the entire class period.

That excitement to learn, combined with the growth he’s shown as both a student and a human, is exactly what this award represents.

Congratulations to this year’s Middle School Principal’s Award recipient, Deniz.

—Principal Annie Swartz

High School Principal’s Award: jon

This year’s recipient is the kind of student who reminds us that kindness does not have to be loud to be powerful. He moves through the building with a genuine sweetness and thoughtfulness that teachers and students notice immediately.

When this student first arrived at ASOP, blurting out comments or apologizing for most things including apologizing for apologizing was…noticeable. However, over the years, this student has shown tremendous growth in both maturity and self-awareness. He’s worked hard to become more thoughtful in his interactions, more mindful in the classroom, and more confident in himself. What stands out most, though, is that even as he’s grown, he has never lost his gentle heart.

This student is consistently considerate of the people around him. He notices when others need help, treats both peers and staff with kindness, and genuinely wants the people around him to feel supported.

In a budgeting assignment earlier this year, students were asked what they would do with extra money left over after shopping. This student answered that he would give the extra money to the cashier because they could probably use it more than he could.

That answer tells you everything you need to know about who this student is.

Congratulations to this year’s High School Principal’s Award recipient, Jon.

—Principal Annie Swartz